US Citizen Fatally Shot by ICE Agent in Texas

Ruben Ray Martinez, 23, was killed by a federal immigration agent on South Padre Island in March 2025, but the involvement of ICE was not disclosed for almost a year.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Ruben Ray Martinez, a 23-year-old U.S. citizen, was shot and killed by a Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agent, a branch of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), on South Padre Island in Texas in March 2025. The involvement of ICE was not publicly disclosed until nearly a year later, when Newsweek reported details about the shooting after obtaining internal incident reports through a Freedom of Information Act request.

Why it matters

The fatal shooting of Martinez appears to be the first known instance of a federal agent fatally shooting a U.S. citizen, and the earliest of at least six deadly shootings by federal officers since the start of a nationwide immigration crackdown in President Donald Trump's second term. The lack of transparency around the incident has raised concerns about accountability and oversight in immigration enforcement.

The details

According to ICE's internal report, HSI agents were assisting the South Padre Island Police Department with traffic control at the site of a major vehicle accident when a blue Ford approached the area. The driver, later identified as Martinez, failed to follow instructions and attempted to continue driving. When the vehicle struck an HSI agent, the agent fired multiple rounds at the driver, killing Martinez. A passenger in the vehicle, also a U.S. citizen, was taken into custody.

  • On March 15, 2025, the incident occurred on South Padre Island, Texas.
  • The involvement of ICE was not publicly disclosed until nearly a year later, in early 2026.

The players

Ruben Ray Martinez

A 23-year-old U.S. citizen who was fatally shot by an HSI agent on South Padre Island.

Rachel Reyes

Ruben Ray Martinez's mother, who said her son had just turned 23 and was celebrating his birthday on South Padre Island when he was killed.

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)

A branch of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that was involved in the incident that led to Ruben Ray Martinez's death.

South Padre Island Police Department (SPIPD)

The local police department that was assisting HSI agents with traffic control at the scene of a major vehicle accident when the incident occurred.

Representative Joaquin Castro

A Texas Democrat who called for a full investigation into the shooting and the 8-month cover-up.

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What they’re saying

“Since Ruben's death a year ago, all we have wanted is justice for him and we have struggled with the silence surrounding his killing. Now, the country is in crisis, and, terribly, heartbreakingly, other families are enduring what we have. It's my hope that attention being raised now into Ruben's death will help bring the justice we want for him and the answers we haven't had.”

— Rachel Reyes, Ruben Ray Martinez's mother (Newsweek)

“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. It is critical that there is a full and fair investigation into why HSI was present at the scene of a traffic collision and why a federal officer shot and killed a U.S. citizen as he was trying to comply with instructions from the local law enforcement officers directing traffic.”

— Charles M. Stam and Alex Stamm, Attorneys for Martinez's family (Newsweek)

“An ICE agent shot and killed Ruben Ray Martinez, a U.S. 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.”

— Representative Joaquin Castro (X)

What’s next

The shooting remains under investigation by the Texas Department of Public Safety's Ranger Division.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the lack of transparency and accountability in immigration enforcement, as well as the concerning rise in the use of deadly force by federal agents against U.S. citizens. It underscores the need for thorough investigations, timely disclosure of information, and clear policies governing the use of force by immigration authorities.