Body camera footage and other evidence from the shooting of Chicago woman Marimar Martinez by a U.S. Border Patrol agent have been released, exposing discrepancies in the federal agents’ narrative and prompting legal and public scrutiny. The release follows a court order and months of legal battles, with the footage contradicting claims that Martinez assaulted the agents.
On October 4, 2025, Martinez was shot five times by Border Patrol agent Charles Exum during an encounter in Brighton Park, Chicago, part of ‘Operation Midway Blitz.’ Federal agents alleged that Martinez rammed her car into theirs and attempted to run them over, leading to her being charged with assault. However, the charges were later dropped after evidence emerged challenging this account.
The newly released body camera footage, along with text messages and photos, shows that Exum and other agents acted aggressively prior to the shooting. In the footage, agents can be heard saying ‘it’s time to get aggressive’ and are seen drawing weapons before the collision. Exum is then shown yanking his steering wheel to hit Martinez’s car and firing five shots within two seconds of exiting his vehicle.
Text messages from Exum’s phone reveal him boasting about the shooting, with messages like ‘I fired 5 rounds and she had 7 holes. Put that in your book, boys,’ and receiving praise from colleagues and senior officials. This evidence undermines the agents’ claims of self-defense and suggests a culture of impunity within the agency.
Martinez, a Montessori school teacher with no criminal history, was labeled a ‘domestic terrorist’ by Department of Homeland Security officials, a designation her attorney, Chris Parente, has vehemently disputed. The release of the evidence aims to clear her name and hold the agents accountable.
The court order for release was issued by U.S. District Judge Georgia Alexakis, who criticized the federal government for not considering Martinez’s reputation. The evidence includes FBI reports, emails, and at least 40 text messages, which have impeachment value against Exum’s credibility.
This incident highlights broader issues with use-of-force by immigration agents, following similar shootings in other cities. Experts testified that firing into moving vehicles contradicts Homeland Security training protocols, yet Exum, a firearms instructor, seemed to disregard these practices.
Martinez is now pursuing federal civil claims against the government and Exum, seeking tens of millions in damages for physical injuries, emotional trauma, and reputational harm. Her case underscores the need for transparency and reform in federal law enforcement agencies to prevent such incidents in the future.
