ICE agent fatally shoots 23-year-old U.S. citizen Ruben Ray Martinez; bodycam contradicts agency account
May 26, 2026·Location: South Texas, TX
DeathUse of ForceU.S. CitizenFamilyDeportationInjury/IllnessCivil Rights/Damages SuitVehicle/Traffic StopTexas

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