Video footage casts doubt on DHS account of fatal 2025 shooting

Newly released videos appear to contradict the Department of Homeland Security's claims about the incident that left a 23-year-old man dead.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Newly released videos from the Texas Department of Public Safety appear to cast doubt on the Department of Homeland Security's account of a fatal agent-involved shooting that occurred in South Padre Island, Texas in March 2025. Ruben Ray Martinez, 23, was fatally shot by a Homeland Security Investigations agent during the incident. The videos show Martinez's car was barely moving when he was shot, contradicting DHS's claim that he "intentionally ran over" an agent.

Why it matters

This case has raised questions about the transparency and accountability of federal law enforcement agencies, particularly regarding the use of force. The conflicting accounts and newly released video footage have prompted calls for an independent investigation into the shooting.

The details

According to the DHS, HSI agents were helping South Padre Island Police control traffic after an unrelated accident when Martinez "intentionally ran over" an agent, leading another agent to fire "defensive shots." However, the video footage shows Martinez's car was barely moving and his brake lights were on when he was shot. Attorneys for Martinez's mother say the videos confirm he was not accelerating and that no agent was in front of his car when he was shot at point-blank range.

  • The incident occurred on March 15, 2025 in South Padre Island, Texas.
  • DHS did not reveal the involvement of its agent until February 2026, when media outlets reported that the agents were involved.
  • A grand jury decided not to issue an indictment in the case in 2026.

The players

Ruben Ray Martinez

A 23-year-old U.S. citizen who was fatally shot by a Homeland Security Investigations agent in South Padre Island, Texas in March 2025.

Joshua Orta

The passenger in Martinez's vehicle at the time of the incident. Orta died in a car crash in February 2026.

Jack Stevens

The Homeland Security Investigations agent who shot and killed Martinez.

Hector Sosa

Another Homeland Security Investigations agent who was allegedly struck by Martinez's vehicle during the incident.

Todd Lyons

The acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, who defended the actions of the agent involved in the shooting.

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What they’re saying

“These new videos confirm that Ruben's car was barely moving when he was shot. That he was braking, not accelerating. That nobody was on the hood of his car. That nobody was in front of his car when he was shot. That he was shot at point-blank range through his side window by an ICE agent who was in no danger.”

— Charles M. Stam and Alex Stamm, Attorneys for Martinez's mother (ABC News)

“We stand by the grand jury's unanimous decision that found no criminality. This incident was investigated from every possible angle by an independent body, and it cleared our officer.”

— Todd Lyons, Acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ABC News)

What’s next

The case remains controversial, with calls for an independent investigation into the shooting. The Department of Homeland Security has defended the actions of its agent, but the newly released video footage has raised significant questions about the official account of the incident.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges around transparency and accountability in law enforcement, particularly when it comes to the use of force by federal agents. The conflicting narratives and evidence in this case underscore the need for rigorous, independent investigations to ensure the public can trust the actions of government authorities.