Border Patrol Agent Praised After Shooting Marimar Martinez in Chicago

Evidence shows commander congratulated agent after controversial incident during Operation Midway Blitz

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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A trove of evidence was released Tuesday in the controversial shooting of Marimar Martinez, a Montessori school teacher, by a Border Patrol agent during Operation Midway Blitz last October. The evidence includes body-cam footage, text messages, and emails showing the agent was praised by his commander after the incident, despite Martinez's lawyers arguing the agent used excessive force and that there was evidence tampering.

Why it matters

The case has raised concerns about the Trump administration's aggressive tactics during Operation Midway Blitz, where officials quickly labeled Martinez as a 'domestic terrorist' despite her having no criminal history. The release of evidence challenges the government's narrative and highlights issues around use of force, evidence handling, and the treatment of U.S. citizens by federal agents.

The details

Body-cam footage shows tense moments before the collision, with an agent saying 'It's time to get aggressive and get the (expletive) out of here.' After the collision, Agent Charles Exum got out of the vehicle and fired five rapid shots, wounding Martinez seven times. Exum was later praised by his commander Gregory Bovino in an email offering him an early retirement. Martinez's lawyers allege evidence tampering, saying Exum was allowed to drive the damaged vehicle over 1,000 miles back to Maine.

  • On October 4, the incident occurred in the Brighton Park neighborhood of Chicago.
  • On November 20, the charges against Martinez were dropped.
  • Later this month, Martinez is scheduled to attend the State of the Union address as a guest of Rep. Jesús 'Chuy' Garcia.

The players

Marimar Martinez

A Montessori school teacher and Chicago resident who was shot seven times by a Border Patrol agent during Operation Midway Blitz, despite having no criminal history.

Charles Exum

The Border Patrol agent who shot and wounded Martinez after their vehicles collided in Chicago.

Gregory Bovino

The Border Patrol commander who praised Agent Exum in an email after the shooting incident.

Christopher Parente

The lawyer representing Martinez, who argues the agent used excessive force and that there was evidence tampering.

Jesús 'Chuy' Garcia

A Chicago Democratic Congressman who has invited Martinez to attend the State of the Union address as his guest.

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What they’re saying

“Good afternoon. I would like to extend an offer to you to extend your retirement beyond age 57....In light of your excellent service in Chicago, you have much left to do!!”

— Gregory Bovino, Border Patrol Commander (Email)

“You can't call a U.S. citizen with no criminal history, who is a Montessori school teacher, a domestic terrorist, which is such a loaded word in this country.”

— Christopher Parente, Martinez's Lawyer (Chicago Tribune)

What’s next

Martinez is scheduled to attend President Donald Trump's State of the Union address to Congress as a guest of U.S. Rep. Jesús 'Chuy' Garcia later this month.

The takeaway

This case highlights concerns about the aggressive tactics used by federal agents during Operation Midway Blitz, the handling of evidence, and the treatment of U.S. citizens by law enforcement. It raises questions about the use of force, the presumption of innocence, and the government's attempts to smear the reputation of individuals with no criminal history.