Criminal Investigation Ongoing Into Agent Who Shot Chicago Woman 5 Times

Newly released evidence contradicts initial reports about the 'Midway Blitz' incident involving Marimar Martinez

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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A criminal investigation is ongoing into a U.S. Border Patrol agent who shot a Chicago woman, Marimar Martinez, five times during an incident known as the 'Midway Blitz'. Newly released evidence, including surveillance footage and body camera footage, contradicts the initial reports from the Department of Homeland Security that Martinez rammed her vehicle into agents. The agent, Charles Exum Jr., is now the focus of a criminal probe by the U.S. Attorney's Office in South Bend, Indiana, after all charges against Martinez were dismissed. Martinez plans to file a civil lawsuit against DHS for labeling her a 'domestic terrorist'.

Why it matters

This case raises concerns about the use of force by law enforcement, transparency, and accountability. The contradictory evidence and ongoing criminal investigation into the agent who shot Martinez highlight the need for thorough investigations and impartial reviews of such incidents, especially when they involve serious injuries or the use of deadly force.

The details

Surveillance footage shows that contrary to initial reports, Martinez did not ram her vehicle into the agents' SUV. Instead, Agent Exum can be seen swerving the SUV towards Martinez's vehicle before stopping and firing five shots, with one bullet entering the back of her car. Exum's body camera was not recording at the time of the shooting, and other agents can be heard telling him not to give any statements. The U.S. Attorney's Office has now taken over the criminal investigation, focusing on Exum's actions.

  • On October 4, the incident occurred near 39th Street and Kedzie Avenue on the Southwest Side of Chicago.
  • In November 2025, the criminal case against Martinez was dismissed with prejudice, meaning it cannot be brought back.
  • In November 2025, Agent Exum was questioned in court about evidence tampering allegations related to his government-issued vehicle.

The players

Marimar Martinez

A Chicago woman who was shot five times by a U.S. Border Patrol agent during the 'Midway Blitz' incident. All criminal charges against her have been dismissed, and she plans to file a civil lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security.

Charles Exum Jr.

A U.S. Border Patrol agent who shot Marimar Martinez five times during the 'Midway Blitz' incident. He is now the focus of a criminal investigation by the U.S. Attorney's Office in South Bend, Indiana.

Christopher Parente

The attorney representing Marimar Martinez, who argues that the evidence contradicts the initial reports from the Department of Homeland Security.

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What they’re saying

“Most people after their criminal indictment has been dismissed, would stop fighting. But to have your own government call you something as hurtful and as harmful as a 'domestic terrorist' when you know you're not is just unacceptable.”

— Christopher Parente, Attorney

“You can see the bullet went back to front, which is not only inconsistent with (Agent Exum's) statement to the FBI that all five shots went through the windshield, but it's also extremely troubling that he's shooting at a fleeing vehicle, which is a violation of the Border Patrol's published use of force policy.”

— Christopher Parente, Attorney

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Agent Exum out on bail as the criminal investigation into the shooting continues.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for thorough and impartial investigations into use-of-force incidents by law enforcement, as well as the importance of transparency and accountability when such incidents occur. The contradictory evidence and ongoing criminal probe into the agent involved raise serious questions about the initial reports and the need for reform to ensure the protection of civil liberties.