DHS Agent Fatally Shoots US Citizen in Texas

Shooting occurred during immigration enforcement operation in March 2025

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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According to records released this week, a federal immigration agent with the Department of Homeland Security fatally shot Ruben Ray Martinez, a 23-year-old US citizen, in Texas in March 2025. The incident occurred as DHS agents were assisting local police with traffic control following an accident, and the agents were conducting immigration enforcement at the time. Martinez's family has called for a full investigation into the shooting.

Why it matters

This appears to be the first known instance of a US citizen being killed during the Trump administration's crackdown on immigration enforcement. The mounting death toll from these operations has increased scrutiny and backlash against the administration's aggressive immigration policies.

The details

The records show that a DHS agent fired multiple rounds at Martinez after he allegedly hit another DHS agent with his car. Martinez was taken to a hospital in Brownsville, Texas, where he was pronounced dead. The DHS agent who was hit by the car went to the hospital for a knee injury and was later released.

  • The incident occurred on March 15, 2025.
  • The records were released in February 2026.

The players

Ruben Ray Martinez

A 23-year-old US citizen who was fatally shot by a DHS agent in Texas.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The federal agency whose agents were involved in the shooting of Ruben Ray Martinez.

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What they’re saying

“Ruben's family has been pursuing transparency and accountability for nearly a year now and will continue to do so for as long as it takes.”

— Charles Stam and Alex Stamm, Attorneys for Martinez's family

“These records paint a deeply troubling picture of the violent methods used by ICE.”

— Chioma Chukwu, Executive Director of American Oversight

What’s next

The incident is under investigation by the Texas Department of Public Safety Ranger Division.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing concerns over the Trump administration's aggressive immigration enforcement tactics and the potential for deadly consequences, even involving US citizens. It underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability around these operations.