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

Footage shows federal agents appeared to coordinate their response after shooting Marimar Martinez five times

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Analysis of body camera footage and other video evidence suggests 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 video shows the agent steering toward Martinez's vehicle and opening fire, contradicting DHS's initial assertions that Martinez 'aggressively and erratically' pursued officers and that they were 'boxed in' by 10 vehicles. Martinez plans to sue DHS and the agent over the alleged false claims.

Why it matters

This case raises concerns about transparency and accountability in law enforcement, particularly around the use of force by federal agents. The apparent discrepancies between the official DHS narrative and the video evidence underscore the importance of independent oversight and the public release of footage in incidents involving law enforcement.

The details

The body camera footage and other surveillance videos show that in the minute before the shooting, agents were being followed by two vehicles, not 10 as initially claimed. The video also does not show Martinez's vehicle ramming the agents' SUV; instead, it appears the agent steered toward Martinez's car and then rapidly fired five shots at her. Martinez, a U.S. citizen and teacher's assistant, was shot five times during the incident. Prosecutors originally alleged that Martinez 'aggressively and erratically' pursued officers, but a judge later dismissed the criminal case against her.

  • The incident occurred on October 17, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.
  • On February 11, 2026, Martinez and her lawyers held a press conference to discuss the newly released body camera and surveillance footage.
  • On February 12, 2026, the video analysis and details of the incident were published.

The players

Marimar Martinez

A Chicago teacher's assistant who was shot five times by a U.S. Border Patrol agent in October 2025. She plans to sue the Department of Homeland Security and the agent over the alleged false claims about the incident.

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.