Chicago Woman Shot by Border Patrol Agent Files Lawsuit

Marimar Martinez's attorney says federal government is not telling the truth about the shooting incident.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Marimar Martinez, a Chicago Montessori teacher, was shot several times by a Border Patrol agent in October 2025. Federal agents claim she and another man boxed them in with their vehicles and then rammed their SUV before the agent shot her. However, Martinez's attorney says the government is not telling the truth about the incident and has released new evidence, including body camera footage, that paints a different picture. Martinez has filed a multi-million dollar civil lawsuit against the agent and his supervisors.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about the use of excessive force by federal immigration enforcement agents and the lack of transparency and accountability around such incidents. It also raises questions about how the government labels and characterizes individuals involved in these types of confrontations.

The details

According to Martinez's attorney, the body camera footage shows one of the officers saying "it's time to get aggressive and get the [expletive] out of here" shortly before the shooting occurred. The government initially labeled Martinez a "domestic terrorist" on its website and in statements, but all charges against her were later dropped. Martinez has testified before Congress about the shooting, describing how she felt "bullets continue to pierce my body" as she tried to drive to safety.

  • On October 4, 2025, Martinez was shot by Border Patrol Agent Charles Exum.
  • In November 2025, all charges against Martinez were dropped.
  • On February 11, 2026, Martinez's attorneys filed a multi-million dollar civil lawsuit on her behalf.

The players

Marimar Martinez

A Chicago Montessori teacher who was shot several times by a Border Patrol agent in October 2025.

Chris Parente

The attorney representing Marimar Martinez.

Charles Exum

The Border Patrol agent who shot Marimar Martinez.

Greg Bovino

The supervisor of Agent Exum and the former chief of "Operation Midway Blitz".

Jesus 'Chuy' Garcia

The Democratic Congressman who invited Marimar Martinez to attend the President's State of the Union Address.

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What they’re saying

“We live in a strange time right now. We cannot trust our federal government.”

— Chris Parente, Attorney representing Marimar Martinez (nbcchicago.com)

“To have your own government call you something as hurtful as a domestic terrorist when you know you are not, is simply unacceptable.”

— Chris Parente, Attorney representing Marimar Martinez (nbcchicago.com)

“As I continued to drive past the Border Patrol agents, I could hear my back passenger window shatter, and I felt bullets continue to pierce my body. As I attempted to drive to a safe location, I began to feel lightheaded. I looked down and saw blood gushing out of my arms and legs and realized I had been shot multiple times.”

— Marimar Martinez (nbcchicago.com)

“I am not afraid of anyone. The only thing I fear is God.”

— Marimar Martinez (nbcchicago.com)

What’s next

Martinez's attorneys plan to ask for damages "in the tens of millions" in the civil lawsuit against Agent Exum and his supervisors. The case will start with a federal torts claim that must be approved by the Justice Department.

The takeaway

This case highlights ongoing concerns about the use of excessive force by federal immigration enforcement agents and the lack of transparency and accountability around such incidents. It also raises questions about how the government labels and characterizes individuals involved in these types of confrontations.