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. 13, 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 were not 'boxed in' by 10 vehicles as claimed, and that an agent appeared to steer toward Martinez's vehicle and then rapidly fire at her, contradicting the DHS's account that she 'aggressively and erratically' pursued the officers.

Why it matters

This case raises concerns about transparency and accountability in law enforcement, particularly around use-of-force incidents. The discrepancies between the DHS's initial claims and the evidence uncovered could undermine public trust in federal agencies and prompt further scrutiny of their actions, especially in the context of increased immigration enforcement efforts.

The details

The body camera footage and surveillance videos show that in the minute before the shooting, agents were being followed by two, not 10 vehicles. Agents stated they were 'boxed in,' but at no time was their vehicle blocked from the front. The video also shows an agent appearing to steer toward Martinez's vehicle, crashing into it, and then rapidly firing toward her. Martinez, a U.S. citizen and teacher's assistant, was shot five times during the incident and is now planning to sue the DHS and the agent for allegedly making false claims about her.

  • On October 25, 2025, Marimar Martinez was shot five times by a U.S. Border Patrol agent in Chicago.
  • On February 11, 2026, Martinez attended a press conference with her lawyers to discuss the release of body camera footage and surveillance videos related to the incident.

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 is now planning to sue the DHS and the agent for allegedly making false claims about her.

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 in her planned lawsuit against the DHS and the agent.

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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.