ICE Exposed for Killing US Citizen 11 Months Ago

Demands for accountability mount after agency concealed details of fatal shooting

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Internal records revealed this week that an officer with Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations fatally shot Ruben Ray Martinez, a 23-year-old US citizen, almost a year ago in South Padre Island, Texas. The details of the shooting were concealed from the public for 11 months until a FOIA lawsuit uncovered the information.

Why it matters

The revelations about Martinez's death have fueled outrage over ICE's actions and the agency's history of concealing information about incidents involving the use of force against US citizens. This case highlights ongoing concerns about accountability and transparency within federal law enforcement agencies.

The details

According to the ICE internal report, HSI agents were helping redirect traffic at the site of a major accident early on March 15, 2025 when Martinez, the driver of a blue Ford, 'failed to follow instructions' and 'accelerated forward, striking a HSI special agent.' The report states that a group supervisory special agent then 'utilized his government-issued service weapon, discharging multiple rounds at the driver through the open driver's side window.' However, lawyers for the Martinez family say eyewitness accounts contradict the government's version of events.

  • The incident occurred on March 15, 2025.
  • Martinez's death was reported in local media at the time, but details about ICE's involvement were not disclosed until 11 months later.

The players

Ruben Ray Martinez

A 23-year-old US citizen who was fatally shot by an ICE agent in South Padre Island, Texas.

HSI Special Agent

An officer with Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations who was involved in the incident that led to Martinez's death.

HSI Group Supervisory Special Agent

The ICE agent who discharged multiple rounds at Martinez through the driver's side window.

Charles Stam

A lawyer for the Martinez family.

Alex Stamm

Another lawyer for the Martinez family.

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What they’re saying

“It shouldn't take 11 months and a FOIA lawsuit to learn that the government killed someone.”

— American Oversight (Social media)

“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 US citizen as he was trying to comply with instructions from the local law enforcement officers directing traffic.”

— Charles Stam, Lawyer for the Martinez family (Statement)

“What they're telling the public is very different than what they're doing behind closed doors. The only reason why we're able to make these connections and really call into question the public statements that they're making to mislead the public is because we're able to get our hands on these documents... That should deeply concern everyone.”

— Chioma Chukwu, Executive Director, American Oversight (Texas Tribune)

What’s next

The Texas Department of Public Safety's Ranger Division is continuing its investigation into the incident, and federal lawmakers have called for a full and independent investigation into the shooting and the subsequent cover-up by ICE.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing concerns about lack of accountability and transparency within federal law enforcement agencies like ICE. The revelations about the agency concealing details of a US citizen's death for nearly a year have fueled outrage and renewed calls for reform or abolition of the agency.