Body Cam Footage Contradicts DHS Claims in Chicago Shooting

Newly released evidence shows federal agents lied about the shooting of Marimar Martinez, a 30-year-old school assistant

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Newly released body camera footage and text messages contradict the Department of Homeland Security's claims about the October shooting of Marimar Martinez, a 30-year-old school assistant, in Chicago's Brighton Park neighborhood. The footage shows that Martinez was attempting to drive away when agents rammed her car and an agent, Charles Exum, fired five shots at her within two seconds. Exum later bragged about the shooting, and other agents praised him, despite the government initially claiming Martinez had 'rammed' them and describing her as a 'domestic terrorist.' Federal prosecutors have since dropped the charges against Martinez, but continue to label her as a terrorist.

Why it matters

This case highlights growing concerns about the lack of transparency and accountability within federal law enforcement agencies like the Department of Homeland Security. The government's initial false narrative and attempts to smear Martinez as a terrorist fit a pattern seen in other recent shootings by DHS agents, raising questions about the agency's use of force and treatment of US citizens.

The details

The body camera footage shows that about a minute before the shooting, agents Cordero and Perkins had their weapons drawn and were pointing them at the rear passenger window of Martinez's car. One agent can be heard saying 'it's time to get aggressive' and 'we're going to make contact, we're boxed in,' before agent Exum is seen ramming Martinez's car. Exum then immediately got out of his vehicle and fired five shots at Martinez within two seconds. The footage contradicts the DHS's initial claims that Martinez had 'rammed' the agents. After the shooting, Exum bragged to friends about injuring Martinez, saying 'I fired five rounds, and she had seven holes. Put that in your book, boys.' Other agents praised Exum, with one calling him 'a legend among agents.'

  • On October 4, 2026, a Border Patrol agent shot Marimar Martinez five times while she was in her vehicle in the Brighton Park neighborhood of Chicago.
  • In November 2026, federal prosecutors dropped the charges against Martinez without explanation.

The players

Marimar Martinez

A 30-year-old school assistant who was shot five times by a Border Patrol agent in Chicago.

Charles Exum

The Border Patrol agent who shot Martinez and later bragged about injuring her.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The federal agency that initially defended the shooting of Martinez and described her as a 'domestic terrorist,' despite evidence that contradicts their claims.

Chris Parente

Martinez's attorney, who has argued that the public should be able to view the evidence showing the government's false claims.

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What they’re saying

“We live in a strange time right now where we cannot trust our federal government. Within an hour of the actual incident, DHS branded [Martinez] a domestic terrorist. The same thing they did to Renee Good. The same thing they did to Mr. [Alex] Pretti.”

— Chris Parente, Martinez's attorney (commondreams.org)

“I looked down and noticed blood gushing out of my arms and legs, and I realized I'd been shot multiple times. What happened to me in a matter of seconds on October 4th will unfortunately be with me for a lifetime.”

— Marimar Martinez (commondreams.org)

What’s next

Martinez has announced plans to sue the federal government and agent Exum for 'tens of millions of dollars,' citing physical injuries, reputational damage, and emotional harm.

The takeaway

This case highlights the lack of transparency and accountability within federal law enforcement agencies like DHS, and the troubling pattern of agents using excessive force against US citizens while the government attempts to smear them as terrorists without evidence. It underscores the need for greater oversight and independent investigations of such incidents to ensure the truth is revealed.