Federal Agents Accused of Exaggerating Claims in Shooting of Chicago Woman

Bodycam footage contradicts DHS account of incident involving Marimar Martinez

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Analysis of recently released body-camera footage and other video evidence suggests that federal agents exaggerated their claims about the shooting of Marimar Martinez, a U.S. citizen and teacher's assistant, in Chicago last October. The footage shows that the agents' vehicle was not 'rammed' or 'boxed in' as the Department of Homeland Security had claimed, and that an agent appeared to steer toward Martinez's vehicle before rapidly firing at her, striking her five times. Martinez is now planning to sue DHS and the agent for allegedly making false claims about the incident and labeling her a domestic terrorist.

Why it matters

This case raises concerns about transparency and accountability in law enforcement, particularly regarding the use of force by federal agents. The apparent discrepancies between the official DHS account and the evidence uncovered raise questions about the truthfulness of authorities' claims and the need for independent oversight of such incidents.

The details

The body-camera footage and other video evidence show that in the minute before the shooting, agents were being followed by two vehicles, not 10 as claimed. The agents' vehicle was not blocked from the front, contrary to their statements about being 'boxed in.' The video also shows an agent appearing to steer toward Martinez's vehicle and then rapidly firing at her, striking her five times. Martinez, a U.S. citizen and teacher's assistant, was initially charged with aggression toward the officers, but the case was later dismissed by the Department of Justice.

  • The incident occurred on October 4, 2025 in the Brighton Park neighborhood of Chicago.
  • The body-camera footage and other evidence was released on February 11, 2026 after a federal judge granted a motion to permit the public release of the materials.

The players

Marimar Martinez

A U.S. citizen and teacher's assistant who was shot five times by federal agents during the incident. She is now planning to sue DHS and the agent for allegedly making false claims about her and labeling her a domestic terrorist.

Charles Exum

The federal agent who appears to have fired the shots at Marimar Martinez. He was placed on administrative leave following the incident, but the length of the leave or when it began is unclear.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The federal agency that initially claimed its agents were 'forced to deploy their weapons and fire defensive shots at an armed US citizen' after their SUV was 'rammed by vehicles and boxed in by 10 cars.'

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

The agency that oversees the federal agent who shot Marimar Martinez. CBP stated that the officer was placed on administrative leave following the incident, but did not provide details on the length of the leave or when it began.

Department of Justice (DOJ)

The agency that sought to dismiss the criminal case against Marimar Martinez after initially alleging that she 'aggressively and erratically' pursued officers.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.