U.S. Citizens Testify to Violent Encounters with Border Patrol

Congressional hearing highlights lack of accountability for federal immigration agent misconduct

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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In a congressional hearing, three U.S. citizens and the family members of Renee Solid shared harrowing accounts of violent encounters with federal immigration agents, including being shot, assaulted, and having their homes raided. The hearing highlighted a disconnect between these experiences and the current administration's willingness to address concerns about the conduct of Border Patrol and other federal immigration enforcement.

Why it matters

These testimonies raise serious questions about the use of force, civil rights violations, and lack of accountability within federal immigration enforcement. As tensions escalate between agents and civilians, there are growing calls for greater oversight and de-escalation policies to protect the rights of all U.S. citizens, regardless of background.

The details

Marimar Martinez, a 30-year-old from Chicago, testified that she was shot multiple times by a Border Patrol agent after attempting to warn her neighbors of their presence. She was then taken into custody and labeled a 'domestic terrorist.' Daniel Rascon, 23, from San Bernardino, California, described being boxed in by unmarked vehicles with masked agents who broke his car windows and fired upon them as they tried to drive away. Aliya Rahman, a Minneapolis resident with autism and a traumatic brain injury, was violently removed from her car by federal agents while on her way to a medical appointment, leaving her with limited arm mobility.

  • On October 4th, Marimar Martinez was shot multiple times by a Border Patrol agent.
  • In August, Daniel Rascon and his family were assaulted by masked federal agents in unmarked vehicles.
  • In January, Aliya Rahman was violently removed from her car by federal immigration officers.

The players

Marimar Martinez

A 30-year-old U.S. citizen from Chicago who was shot multiple times by a Border Patrol agent after attempting to warn her neighbors of their presence.

Daniel Rascon

A 23-year-old U.S. citizen from San Bernardino, California who was assaulted by masked federal agents in unmarked vehicles.

Aliya Rahman

A U.S. citizen resident of Minneapolis with autism and a traumatic brain injury who was violently removed from her car by federal immigration officers.

Renee Solid

A U.S. citizen whose brothers, Luke and Brent Ganger, testified on her behalf at the congressional hearing.

Charles Exum

A Border Patrol agent who shot Marimar Martinez and then sent text messages bragging about it.

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What they’re saying

“We must find no bad people and that everyone mistakes.”

— Renee Good's 4-year-old daughter (newsy-today.com)

“The government attempted to execute me.”

— Marimar Martinez (newsy-today.com)

“I fired 5 rounds and she had 7 holes. Position that in your book boys.”

— Charles Exum, Border Patrol agent (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

The congressional committee has vowed to investigate the allegations of misconduct and civil rights violations by federal immigration agents. They have also called for greater oversight and accountability measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The takeaway

These disturbing accounts highlight the urgent need for reform within federal immigration enforcement to protect the rights and safety of all U.S. citizens, regardless of background. Policymakers must address the disconnect between the experiences shared by these citizens and the current administration's response in order to rebuild trust and ensure just, humane treatment by government agents.