Evidence Shows Feds Lied to Justify Shooting Chicago Woman, Lawyer Says

Bodycam footage contradicts Border Patrol's account of the October incident that left Marimar Martinez shot five times.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Newly released evidence, including bodycam footage and text messages, calls into question the federal government's narrative about a Chicago woman shot multiple times by a Border Patrol agent. The evidence indicates agents ignored use-of-force practices from their own training and contradicts their claims that the woman, Marimar Martinez, chased them and rammed her car into an agent's car. Martinez's lawyer says the footage shows the agent yanking his steering wheel toward Martinez's car before getting out and shooting her.

Why it matters

This case raises concerns about the credibility of federal law enforcement's accounts of use-of-force incidents and whether agents are properly following their own training guidelines. It also highlights the ongoing tensions between immigrant communities and federal immigration authorities in Chicago.

The details

The evidence, which had been under seal, was ordered released after Martinez's lawyer argued that because top federal officials continued to label Martinez a 'domestic terrorist,' the public should be able to review the facts. The bodycam footage and incident report contradict the Border Patrol agent's account that Martinez tried to run him over, and instead indicate she was attempting to drive away. The footage also shows two other agents drawing their weapons and pointing them at Martinez's car less than a minute before the collision and shooting. Photos of the bullet holes in Martinez's car further contradict the agent's claim that he fired through the windshield as she drove toward him, suggesting she was moving away when shot.

  • On October 4, 2025, Marimar Martinez was shot multiple times by federal immigration agents in Brighton Park.
  • On February 11, 2026, the evidence in the case, including bodycam footage and text messages, was ordered released to the public.

The players

Marimar Martinez

A Chicago woman who was shot five times by a Border Patrol agent in October 2025. She was initially charged with assaulting federal officers, but the charges were later dropped.

Charles Exum

The Border Patrol agent who shot Martinez. He is a 20-year veteran and member of the Firearms Instructor Training Program.

Chris Parente

The attorney representing Marimar Martinez, who argues the evidence shows agents lied to justify the shooting.

Adam J. Perkins

A Border Patrol agent with 17 years of experience, who was present during the incident.

Lorenzo Cordero

A Border Patrol agent with 5 years of experience, who was also present during the incident.

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What they’re saying

“When asked Wednesday in Spanish if she was afraid, Martinez said she is not afraid of anything and that she only fears God.”

— Marimar Martinez (Block Club Chicago)

What’s next

Martinez is now in the process of filing federal civil claims against the government and Exum, seeking monetary damages in the 'tens of millions of dollars,' citing her physical injuries, emotional trauma and reputational harm.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between immigrant communities and federal immigration authorities, as well as the need for greater accountability and transparency around use-of-force incidents involving law enforcement. It raises serious questions about the credibility of federal agents' accounts and whether they are properly following their own training guidelines.