Newly released video captures Border Patrol shooting of Chicago woman in Brighton Park

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Department of Homeland Security accused Marimar Martinez of ramming agents with her car during an encounter in Chicago's Brighton Park neighborhood, but her attorney argued it was the agents who crashed into her. Federal prosecutors later dropped charges against Martinez, and a federal judge dismissed the case with prejudice. Newly released body camera footage shows the incident, which occurred during the early days of the Trump administration's immigration operation "Midway Blitz."

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing tensions between law enforcement and immigrant communities, as well as concerns about the use of force by federal agents. The release of the body camera footage provides more transparency around the incident and could shed light on whether the agents' actions were justified.

The details

In the body camera footage, an agent can be heard saying "We're going to make contact. We are boxed in." The driver then appears to jerk the steering wheel, and an agent says "We've been struck." Moments later, a quick succession of gunshots can be heard. Martinez says she was shot five times and drove to a nearby auto shop for help before being rushed to the hospital. Federal prosecutors later dropped charges against Martinez, and a judge dismissed the case with prejudice.

• The incident occurred in October, during the early days of the Trump administration's immigration operation "Midway Blitz."
• Earlier this month, Martinez testified about the incident on Capitol Hill.

What they’re saying

What’s next

According to previous court testimony in this case, federal prosecutors revealed that there is an "ongoing and pending criminal investigation" into the Martinez shooting, with an outside U.S. attorney's office still retaining possession of Martinez's car.