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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Videos released by the Texas Department of Public Safety appear to cast doubt on the Department of Homeland Security's account of a fatal agent-involved shooting of U.S. citizen Ruben Ray Martinez in South Padre Island, Texas in March 2025. The videos show Martinez's car was barely moving when he was shot at point-blank range, contradicting DHS's claim that he 'intentionally ran over' an agent. The passenger, Joshua Orta, also said Martinez did not intend to run over the agents.

Why it matters

This case raises questions about the transparency and accountability of federal law enforcement agencies, particularly around the use of lethal force. The discrepancies between the official DHS account and the video footage underscore the importance of independent investigations and public access to evidence in incidents involving government agents.

The details

According to the report, DHS initially did not reveal that its agents were involved in the shooting, only stating it was an 'officer-involved shooting.' DHS later claimed an HSI agent was 'on the hood of the vehicle' when Martinez was shot. However, the video footage appears to show Martinez's car was barely moving, his brake lights were on, and no agent was on the hood when he was shot. The passenger, Joshua Orta, said Martinez did not intend to run over the agents.

  • The incident occurred on March 15, 2025 in South Padre Island, Texas.
  • DHS did not reveal its agents were involved until February 2026, when media outlets reported on the case.
  • A grand jury decided not to indict the agent who shot Martinez in 2025.

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 2025.

Joshua Orta

The passenger in Martinez's vehicle who told investigators Martinez did not intend to run over the agents. Orta died in a car crash in February 2026.

Jack Stevens

The Homeland Security Investigations agent who shot and killed Martinez, claiming he was struck by the vehicle and feared for his safety.

Todd Lyons

The acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, who defended the agent's actions and said the grand jury found no criminality.

Texas Rangers

The state law enforcement agency that conducted an investigative report on the incident, which ICE's Lyons cited in defending the agent's actions.

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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 judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the agent, Jack Stevens, to remain free on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for greater transparency and independent oversight of federal law enforcement agencies, particularly around the use of lethal force. The discrepancies between the official DHS account and the video footage underscore the importance of public access to evidence in incidents involving government agents.