Texas Grand Jury Declines Indictments in Fatal Shooting of US Citizen by Federal Agent

Prosecutors say a grand jury rejected charges over the 2025 killing of Ruben Ray Martinez by a Homeland Security Investigations agent.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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A grand jury in Texas has declined to indict a federal immigration agent who fatally shot Ruben Ray Martinez, a 23-year-old U.S. citizen, during a traffic encounter last year. The shooting, which occurred on March 15, 2025, was not publicly disclosed by the Department of Homeland Security until it was reported by media outlets last week. Prosecutors said the grand jury declined to hand up indictments after reviewing the case.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing tensions and questions around the use of force by federal immigration authorities, especially in incidents involving U.S. citizens. The lack of indictment raises concerns about accountability and transparency in these types of incidents.

The details

According to authorities, the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agent shot Martinez after the young man 'intentionally ran over' the agent, prompting the agent to fire 'defensive shots.' However, a draft affidavit from a passenger in Martinez's car, Joshua Orta, disputed this account, stating that Martinez was 'only crawling' and never hit an officer or accelerated the vehicle. Orta, a key witness, died in a car crash last weekend.

  • The shooting of Ruben Ray Martinez occurred on March 15, 2025.
  • The grand jury declined to indict the federal agent on Wednesday.

The players

Ruben Ray Martinez

A 23-year-old U.S. citizen who was fatally shot by a federal immigration agent during a traffic encounter in Texas.

Joshua Orta

A passenger in the car with Ruben Ray Martinez at the time of the shooting, who disputed the authorities' account of the incident in a draft affidavit. Orta died in a car crash last weekend.

Rachel Reyes

The mother of Ruben Ray Martinez, who said her son worked at an Amazon warehouse, liked to play video games, and had no prior run-ins with law enforcement.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

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.