CHICAGO (AP) — New documents released reveal that a top Border Patrol commander praised an agent who shot Marimar Martinez, a U.S. citizen, five times during an immigration operation in Chicago last year. The incident has drawn criticism and accusations of misconduct against the Trump administration, which allegedly mishandled the investigation into the shooting.
Martinez, a teaching assistant, was shot while seated in her vehicle during an alleged attempt to ram immigration agents. A felony charge against her was dismissed after footage arose showing an agent colliding with her vehicle instead. This evidence has led her attorneys to push for transparency regarding the investigation.
During a press conference, attorney Christopher Parente emphasized the lack of trust in federal officials, stating, This is a time where we just cannot trust the words of our federal officials. The case drew renewed attention following another tragic incident involving a federal agent fatally shooting a woman in Minneapolis.
Martinez's legal team revealed that the Department of Homeland Security mischaracterized her as a domestic terrorist and suggested she had a criminal history, claims that remain unsupported by evidence. She is now pursuing a complaint under the Federal Tort Claims Act, seeking accountability for the shooting.
Documentation released shows communications within the agency, illustrating the environment surrounding the incident and the later praise for the shooters involved. Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino’s text stated to agent Charles Exum, In light of your excellent service in Chicago, you have much yet left to do!! Such messages and responses among agents raise serious ethical questions regarding the operations during the immigration crackdown in Chicago.
The shooting occurred during a tense period marked by heightened immigration enforcement, where agents frequently clashed with both civilians and local officials. Martinez, who had been actively warning others about the agents' presence that day, expressed her feelings of mistrust towards law enforcement institutions as a result of the encounter.
During her testimony to Congress, Martinez highlighted concerns about discrimination and the targeting of individuals based on their appearance rather than actual criminal activity. She plans to further advocate for change and accountability in law enforcement practices.
