Chicago Woman Shot by Border Patrol Agent Expected to File Lawsuit, Release Evidence

Marimar Martinez's attorneys say body-cam footage and text messages will refute agent's account of the shooting incident.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Marimar Martinez, a Chicago woman who was shot five times by a Border Patrol agent in October 2025, is expected to file a lawsuit and release evidence on Wednesday that her attorneys say will show the agent lied to the FBI about the incident. The evidence, which includes body-cam footage and text messages, is expected to contradict the agent's claim that he fired all five shots through Martinez's front windshield.

Why it matters

This case has raised concerns about the use of force by Border Patrol agents and the lack of accountability, as the Trump administration was accused of immediately embracing the agent and protecting him from scrutiny. The release of the evidence could shed light on the incident and potentially lead to further investigations or policy changes regarding Border Patrol operations.

The details

According to Martinez's attorneys, the evidence will show that at least one of the bullets was likely fired from behind, contradicting the agent's account. The agent, Charles Exum, had previously claimed he fired all five shots through Martinez's front windshield. The evidence is also expected to include text messages in which Exum bragged about the shooting, saying 'I fired 5 rounds and she had 7 holes. Put that in your book boys.'

  • On October 4, 2025, Martinez followed a Chevrolet Tahoe driven by Exum, which also carried two additional Border Patrol agents.
  • Federal prosecutors in Chicago filed an assault charge against Martinez after her run-in with Exum, but they dropped the case on November 20, 2025.

The players

Marimar Martinez

A Chicago woman who was shot five times by a Border Patrol agent in October 2025 and is expected to file a lawsuit and release evidence on Wednesday.

Charles Exum

A Border Patrol agent who shot Martinez and later claimed he fired all five shots through her front windshield, but the evidence is expected to contradict his account.

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What they’re saying

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

— Charles Exum (Text message)

“I am their voice. I am here for a reason.”

— Marimar Martinez (Chicago Sun-Times and WBEZ)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Wednesday whether to allow the release of the evidence, including body-cam footage and text messages, that Martinez's attorneys say will contradict the Border Patrol agent's account of the shooting.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing concerns about the use of force by Border Patrol agents and the lack of accountability, as well as the importance of transparency and the release of evidence to shed light on these incidents and potentially lead to policy changes.