CRIME & LAW

Chicago releases bodycam in Border Patrol shooting case

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Sources: 11

Chicago, Federal prosecutors released body camera footage showing Border Patrol Agent Charles Exum shooting Marimar Martinez five times during an October immigration enforcement operation. Martinez, a U.S. citizen and teacher, was charged after Homeland Security accused her of ramming agents; prosecutors later dropped charges and a judge dismissed the case with prejudice. The footage, released Feb. 10, shows agents saying they were “boxed in” and an agent saying, “It’s time to get aggressive,” as vehicles made contact; records and texts raise questions about the agency’s account. Martinez plans to sue federal agencies. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

Oct. 4 — Marimar Martinez was shot multiple times by a Border Patrol agent during an immigration operation.
Immediately after — DHS publicly accused Martinez of ramming agents and labeled her conduct as threatening.
Arrest and charges — Martinez was arrested and charged in connection with the encounter.
Feb. 10 — U.S. Attorney’s Office released bodycam footage, emails, and records to the court and public.
Post-release — Prosecutors dropped charges, a judge dismissed the case with prejudice, and Martinez’s attorneys announced civil litigation plans.