Judge to Rule on Release of Bodycam Video in Shooting of Marimar Martinez

Federal agents shot Martinez five times during an immigration protest, but charges were later dropped.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A federal judge in Chicago is expected to rule on Friday on whether body camera footage will be released, showing border patrol agents shooting Marimar Martinez five times in Brighton Park. Martinez was initially charged with assaulting federal agents, but those charges were later dropped. Her attorney is now seeking to have the body camera footage and other evidence released to the public.

Why it matters

This case has raised concerns about the use of force by federal agents and the way the government has portrayed Martinez, even after dropping the criminal charges against her. The release of the body camera footage and other evidence could provide more clarity on what actually happened during the incident.

The details

Martinez was shot five times in Brighton Park on Oct. 4, 2025. Federal agents claimed she chased them and rammed her car into an agent's car during an immigration protest, but prosecutors later dropped the assault charges against her. Her attorney is now seeking to have the body camera footage and other evidence, including text messages from the agent who shot her, released to the public. The attorney argues the text messages would contradict the government's portrayal of Martinez as a "domestic terrorist" and undermine the agent's credibility.

  • The shooting of Marimar Martinez occurred on October 4, 2025.
  • The federal assault charges against Martinez were dropped in late 2025.
  • The judge is expected to rule on the release of the body camera footage on Friday, February 6, 2026.

The players

Marimar Martinez

A woman who was shot five times by federal border patrol agents during an immigration protest in Brighton Park.

Christopher Parente

The attorney representing Marimar Martinez, who is seeking the release of body camera footage and other evidence related to the shooting.

Charles Exum

The border patrol agent who shot Marimar Martinez, and whose text messages about the shooting are also being sought for release.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

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

— Charles Exum, Border Patrol Agent (Court records)

“Marimar Martinez had no say in being branded as a 'domestic terrorist' by her government. The Government drafted those words. The Government sent those words out to the world. Unlike Exum, she never had a say in the things being written about her, as opposed to Exum having had full say in the things he chose to write and disseminate.”

— Christopher Parente, Attorney (Court filing)

What’s next

The judge is expected to rule on the release of the body camera footage on Friday, February 6, 2026.

The takeaway

This case highlights concerns about the use of force by federal agents and the way the government portrays individuals, even after dropping criminal charges. The release of the body camera footage and other evidence could provide more transparency and accountability around this incident.