Chicago Woman Shot by Border Patrol Agent: Bodycam Footage Reveals Incident

Washington, D.C.: New evidence has emerged in the case of a Chicago woman who was shot by a U.S. Border Patrol agent last year. Bodycam footage released publicly shows the moments immediately before the shooting, shedding new light on the incident in which the woman was hit by five bullets but survived.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) had initially claimed that Marymar Martinez, a 31-year-old Chicago schoolteacher, rammed her car into agents, prompting an officer to fire in self-defense. However, the bodycam footage suggests that the agents may have struck her vehicle first.

Details of the Incident

On October 4, 2025, Martinez reportedly followed Border Patrol agents, aiming to alert local residents to their presence. During the pursuit, agents fired at her car. Martinez drove away and was later taken to the hospital by ambulance.

The released bodycam footage captures an agent saying, “It’s time to get aggressive and get out of here. They’re trying to box us in.” Seconds earlier, the driver can be seen steering sharply to the left. The camera shakes, the vehicle stops, and the agent is heard saying, “We hit her.” Moments later, gunfire is heard as Martinez exits the vehicle.

Charges and Controversy

DHS initially charged Martinez with obstructing a federal officer, but these charges were dropped in November 2025. Despite this, DHS had publicly labeled her a domestic terrorist—a statement still accessible online. During court proceedings, Martinez admitted to following the Border Patrol vehicles but denied any wrongdoing.

Martinez Speaks Out

In court, Martinez stated, “My own government is calling me a domestic terrorist. I was in federal detention with bullet wounds on my body. These scars will forever remind me that my own government tried to kill me. When they failed, they chose to defame me.”

Agent’s Post-Shooting Remarks

Martinez’s lawyer successfully requested the release of evidence, including bodycam footage, texts, and emails. Attorney Christopher Parente told the media, “It’s important for people to see the real evidence, not just the government’s false claims.” Martinez is reportedly planning a civil lawsuit. Meanwhile, the agent who fired the shots, Charles Exum, has been placed on administrative leave. Text messages sent by Exum to colleagues after the incident reportedly read, “I fired 5 rounds, 7 hits on the body. Boys, record it.”

The release of the bodycam footage raises serious questions about the actions of federal officers and the treatment of civilians by law enforcement agencies.