Border Patrol Shooting Victim Marimar Martinez Sues the Federal Government

Marimar Martinez, a Chicago woman shot multiple times by Border Patrol agent Charles Exum during an October 4, 2025, enforcement operation, filed a federal lawsuit October 5, 2026, alleging negligence, battery, assault, false arrest and malicious prosecution. Federal prosecutors had charged Martinez with assaulting an officer after the shooting but dropped the case about two months later; her attorneys say bodycam video released this week contradicts the government's account that she rammed agents' vehicle with her car.

No agent has been criminally charged. Chicago police have opened their own investigation, and the Cook County state's attorney has said no agency has yet brought her office a case against a federal officer. The Justice Department declined to comment; Homeland Security said only that Exum remains on leave.