Video Casts Doubt on DHS Claims About Shooting of Chicago Teacher's Assistant

Footage shows federal agents may have exaggerated details about the incident that left Marimar Martinez shot five times

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Newly released body camera footage and surveillance videos suggest the Department of Homeland Security exaggerated its claims about the October 2025 shooting of Marimar Martinez, a Chicago teacher's assistant, by a U.S. Border Patrol agent. The videos show the agents' vehicle was not 'boxed in' by 10 cars as DHS claimed, and there is no evidence the agents' vehicle was 'rammed' before the shooting. Instead, the footage indicates an agent steered toward Martinez's vehicle and then rapidly fired at her, shooting her five times. Martinez plans 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 around use-of-force incidents involving federal agents. The apparent discrepancies between the DHS's initial claims and the evidence uncovered through the video footage underscore the importance of independent oversight and the public release of information in these types of cases.

The details

The body camera footage and surveillance videos show that in the minute before the shooting, agents were being followed by two vehicles, not 10 as DHS claimed. Agents stated they were 'boxed in,' but the footage shows their vehicle was not blocked from the front. At no point is a driver seen ramming the agents' vehicle; instead, the video shows an agent appearing to steer toward the vehicle driven by Martinez, crashing into her, and then rapidly firing toward her. Martinez, a U.S. citizen and teacher's assistant, was shot five times during the incident.

  • On October 25, 2025, the incident occurred in Chicago, Illinois.
  • On February 11, 2026, Martinez held a press conference with her lawyers to discuss the newly released footage.

The players

Marimar Martinez

A 32-year-old Chicago teacher's assistant who was shot five times by a U.S. Border Patrol agent in October 2025. She plans to sue DHS and the agent for allegedly making false claims about the incident and labeling her a domestic terrorist.

Charles Exum

The U.S. Border Patrol agent who shot 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.'

Anthony Ruiz

The driver of a GMC SUV adorned with a Mexican flag who was present at the scene of the shooting.

Cheronis & Parente LLC and Gallagher & Kosner Law LLC

The law firms representing Marimar Martinez.

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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.