Newsom Alarmed by Year-Long Delay in Disclosing Fatal ICE Shooting

California governor raises concerns over lack of transparency in case of U.S. citizen killed by ICE agent in Texas

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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California Governor Gavin Newsom has expressed alarm over a near year-long delay in disclosing the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Ruben Ray Martinez by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in South Padre Island, Texas on March 15, 2025. The involvement of ICE was not publicly disclosed at the time, but details have since emerged through internal ICE records obtained by the watchdog group American Oversight.

Why it matters

This case appears to be the first known fatal shooting of a U.S. citizen by a federal agent during the Trump administration's immigration crackdown. Newsom has been a vocal critic of the administration's aggressive deportation policies, and the delayed disclosure raises concerns about transparency and accountability 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 driver failed to follow instructions and attempted to continue, striking an agent who then fired multiple rounds through the open driver's side window, killing Martinez. The passenger was taken into custody by local police.

  • The shooting occurred around 12:40 a.m. on March 15, 2025 near the intersection of Padre Boulevard and Marlin Street in South Padre Island, Texas.
  • Martinez was pronounced dead at Valley Regional Medical Center in Brownsville after being transported by emergency medical personnel.

The players

Gavin Newsom

The governor of California who has raised concerns over the delayed disclosure of the fatal shooting of Ruben Ray Martinez by an ICE agent.

Ruben Ray Martinez

A 23-year-old U.S. citizen who was fatally shot by an ICE agent in South Padre Island, Texas on March 15, 2025.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal agency whose Homeland Security Investigations unit was involved in the incident that led to the fatal shooting of Ruben Ray Martinez.

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What they’re saying

“While we don't know all the facts of this case, it is clear that transparency and accountability are vital, especially when deadly force is used. The nearly year-long delay in disclosing this incident is deeply concerning and suggests the public is unaware of the extent of DHS abuses and rising use of force in immigration enforcement.”

— Diana Crofts-Pelayo, Deputy Director of Communications for Newsom (Newsweek)

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.