ICE Shooting of Texas Man Sparks Calls for Transparency

Lawmakers demand answers after Newsweek reveals federal agent killed 23-year-old Ruben Ray Martinez

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Lawmakers are calling for a full investigation and greater transparency after Newsweek reported that a U.S. citizen named Ruben Ray Martinez was fatally shot by an ICE agent in Texas in March 2025. The incident was not publicly disclosed for months, intensifying questions about oversight when federal agents use deadly force.

Why it matters

The delayed disclosure of the ICE agent's involvement in Martinez's death has raised concerns about transparency and accountability when federal law enforcement uses lethal force. Democratic lawmakers argue the lack of timely information undermines public trust, even as officials maintain the investigation is ongoing.

The details

According to the Department of Homeland Security, the shooting occurred after Martinez allegedly struck an ICE agent with his vehicle, prompting another agent to fire what the department described as "defensive shots." No body-worn camera or dashcam footage has been publicly released, and investigators have not completed their review.

  • The incident occurred on March 15, 2025.
  • The details of ICE's involvement were not publicly disclosed for 8 months.

The players

Ruben Ray Martinez

A 23-year-old U.S. citizen from San Antonio who was fatally shot by an ICE agent.

Joaquin Castro

A Democratic congressman from Texas who is calling for a "full investigation" into the shooting.

Roland Gutierrez

A Democratic Texas state senator who has vowed to pursue "justice and accountability" in the case.

Greg Casar

A Democratic U.S. representative from Texas who says "Americans deserve immediate answers and an independent investigation" of the shooting.

Gina Hinojosa

A Democratic Texas state representative who has filed a public records request for body camera and dashcam footage related to the case.

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What they’re saying

“An ICE agent shot and killed Ruben Ray Martinez, a US citizen and San Antonio resident, in March 2025. Then ICE and the Texas Department of Public Safety covered it up. He was 23 years old. I am calling for a full investigation into this shooting, including why there was an 8-month cover-up.”

— Joaquin Castro, Democratic congressman from Texas (X)

“We just found out ICE agents shot and killed 23-year-old Ruben Ray Martinez a year ago. Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) covered it up. DPS is lying when they say they aren't targeting Latinos, and I'm going to make sure we have justice and accountability.”

— Roland Gutierrez, Democratic Texas state senator (X)

“Last March, a 23-year-old named Ruben Ray Martinez was shot and killed by an ICE agent. He was a U.S. citizen from San Antonio. ICE did not disclose for 8 months that they were the ones who shot Martinez. Americans deserve immediate answers and an independent investigation of the shooting.”

— Greg Casar, Democratic U.S. representative from Texas (X)

What’s next

The Texas Rangers investigation remains ongoing, according to state officials, as lawmakers continue pressing for the release of additional records. Any further disclosures or findings could shape whether independent reviews or legislative action follow.

The takeaway

The delayed disclosure of ICE's involvement in the fatal shooting of Ruben Ray Martinez has eroded public trust and sparked calls for greater transparency and accountability when federal agents use deadly force, even as officials maintain the investigation is ongoing.