Chicago Woman Shot by CBP Seeks Release of Body Cam Footage

Marimar Martinez was shot five times by a CBP agent last fall and is now asking a judge to allow the public release of evidence from the incident.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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A federal judge is set to decide whether to permit the public release of body camera footage and other evidence in the case of Marimar Martinez, a Chicago woman who was shot five times by a Customs and Border Protection agent during an incident last fall. Martinez's attorney is seeking to make the evidence public in order to "combat the continuing harm to her reputation" after the government initially accused her of participating in an "ambush" of CBP agents.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing tensions between law enforcement and civilians, as well as questions around transparency and accountability when it comes to police use of force. The release of body camera footage could provide crucial evidence to support Martinez's account of the incident.

The details

Martinez was shot and wounded by a CBP agent during Operation Midway Blitz last fall. Her attorney is now asking the court to allow the release of body camera footage, electronic communications, and photographs related to the shooting. The government has argued that sensitive law enforcement data, including the CBP agent's private text messages, should remain sealed to protect investigative tactics and personal privacy. The charges against Martinez were later dismissed by the government.

  • The hearing to decide on the release of evidence is set for Friday, February 6, 2026.
  • Martinez testified about her encounter with Border Patrol agents on Capitol Hill earlier this week.

The players

Marimar Martinez

A Chicago woman who was shot five times by a CBP agent last fall and is now seeking the release of body camera footage and other evidence related to the incident.

Chris Parente

The attorney representing Marimar Martinez in her case.

Charles Exum

The CBP agent identified as the one who shot Marimar Martinez, who was questioned about text messages he sent after the incident in which he appeared to boast about his shooting skills.

U.S. District Judge Georgia Alexakis

The judge who previously denied a motion by media organizations to modify the protective order and obtain the footage.

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What they’re saying

“I know that being a survivor, it's my duty to be here today to let you elected officials know what is happening on the streets of our country because silence is no longer an option.”

— Marimar Martinez (Capitol Hill testimony)

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

— Charles Exum, CBP Agent (Text messages)

“I'm just saying five shots, seven holes.”

— Charles Exum, CBP Agent (Court testimony)

What’s next

The judge is set to decide on Friday whether to allow the release of the body camera footage and other evidence in this case.

The takeaway

This case highlights ongoing tensions between law enforcement and civilians, as well as questions around transparency and accountability when it comes to police use of force. The release of body camera footage could provide crucial evidence to support Martinez's account of the incident and combat the government's initial characterization of her as a "domestic terrorist."