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ICE agent fatally shoots 23-year-old U.S. citizen Ruben Ray Martinez; bodycam contradicts agency account

Feb 5, 2026 · South Texas, TX

ICE agent fatally shoots 23-year-old U.S. citizen Ruben Ray Martinez; bodycam contradicts agency account

In March 2025, ICE agent fatally shot 23-year-old U.S. citizen Ruben Ray Martinez on South Padre Island, Texas. Bodycam footage shows the vehicle with brake lights engaged when three shots were fired through the window. Martinez was removed from the car and restrained before receiving medical care, but died at a Brownsville hospital. The agency's involvement was not publicly revealed until nearly eleven months later. A grand jury declined to indict the agent, and ICE stated the shooting was justified. Martinez's family is pursuing a tort claim for wrongful death.

Timeline

May 26, 2026Martinez family pursues tort claim for wrongful death
Feb 5, 2026ICE involvement in shooting publicly revealed; bodycam footage shows brake lights engaged at time of shooting
Feb 5, 2026Grand jury declines to indict agent; ICE states shooting was justified
Mar 1, 2025ICE agent fatally shoots Ruben Ray Martinez through car window on South Padre Island, Texas
Mar 1, 2025Martinez removed from vehicle, restrained, and transported to Brownsville hospital where he dies

Sources

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