Marimar Martinez shooting: Chicago woman testifies about Border Patrol shooting in Brighton Park on Capitol Hill
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — On Tuesday, Marimar Martinez shared her harrowing experience with Border Patrol agents before Congress, asserting that her story illustrates a consistent pattern of deception by federal authorities.

“The evidence from these encounters, including sworn testimonies, uncovers a recurring theme of misleading the public,” Martinez stated.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Martinez reflected on her survival, expressing a belief that she lived through her ordeal with the Border Patrol to bring her narrative to light.

“The memories of that day haunt me: the sudden swerve by Agent Exum, the gunshots echoing, and the searing pain as bullets pierced my flesh,” she recounted.

Last October, Border Patrol agents shot the Chicago resident and U.S. citizen five times following a collision between her car and an SUV driven by Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Charles Exum.

The federal authorities have accused Marimar of intentionally ramming Border Patrol officers.

Those charges were later dropped. Marimar was one of many, calling the administration’s narratives into question on Tuesday.

“I know that being a survivor, it’s my duty to be here today to let you elected officials know what is happening on the streets of our country because silence is no longer an option,” Martinez said.

Martinez is asking a federal judge to allow the release of evidence in her case in light of the federal government continuing to label her as a “domestic terrorist.”

“As a 30-year-old USA citizen with no criminal history, I believed that I had nothing to worry about, but I was concerned for my friends and neighbors,” Martinez testified, recalling the Saturday that she saw CBP agents in downtown Chicago. “For the next 15 to 20 minutes, I followed these Border Patrol agents through my neighborhood, honking my horn, shouting out, ‘La Migra,’” which in Spanish means immigration officers.

Martinez followed the agents for several blocks before the vehicles collided, resulting in minor dents and scrapes on both vehicles.

According to testimony and documents from Martinez’s now-dropped assault case, she stopped her vehicle directly after the collision and the agents’ SUV came to a halt just ahead of Martinez. She then accelerated away, testifying in court that she swerved left to avoid hitting the agents, who were exiting their vehicle.

That’s when the agents opened fire, ultimately striking Martinez five times in the arm, chest and both legs. Only one of the three agents had a body camera activated at the time.

While the body camera footage hasn’t been released publicly, lawyers for Martinez have said in court that it shows an officer shouting “do something b–.”

The agent who shot her allegedly said in a group text to friends: “I fired 5 rounds and she had 7 holes. Put that in your book, boys.”

“The physical scars will always be there in the mornings and evenings, when I get dressed and I stare at my body, now permanently disfigured by the five lead bullets,” Martinez said. “They will be there this summer when I head to the beach with my dogs and family. They will be there when I get down on the floor with my students.”

She continued, “Perhaps even worse, the mental scars will always be there as a reminder of the time my own government attempted to execute me, and when they failed, they chose to vilify me.”

Marimar was joined by other survivors and Renee Good’s family in condemning the fed’s use of force by the Department of Homeland Security on Tuesday.

Illinois Democratic leaders were present, calling for sweeping reforms and accountability.

“That’s why we made it clear that this negotiation to change the standards for ICE is critical for us to continue this agency,” said Sen. Dick Durbin.

Tuesday’s testimony comes after ABC News learned at least eight more federal prosecutors resigned in Minnesota after the deadly shootings of Good and Alex Pretti by federal immigration agents.

Capitol News Illinois contributed to this report.

Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Elgin, Bartlett, Sleepy Hollow customers say Guy Landmeier of G and L Decorating took money, didn't finish home remodeling jobs

Elgin and Bartlett Homeowners Accuse G and L Decorating’s Guy Landmeier of Incomplete Remodeling Projects and Financial Misconduct

In a developing story out of Chicago, the ABC7 I-Team has turned…
Brown University shooting bodycam footage shows urgent search for suspect who slipped through dragnet

Bodycam Footage from Brown University Incident Reveals Intense Pursuit of Escaped Suspect

The Providence Police Department unveiled body camera footage on Monday, providing a…
Ghislaine Maxwell declined to answer questions from a House committee, citing 5th Amendment rights

Ghislaine Maxwell Invokes 5th Amendment, Refuses House Committee Inquiry

WASHINGTON — On Monday, House lawmakers sought to question Ghislaine Maxwell, but…
New Media Victory: Kid Rock Tops Bad Bunny on iTunes Chart After Halftime Show Face-Off

Kid Rock Surpasses Bad Bunny on iTunes Chart Following Halftime Show Performance

Following TPUSA’s “All America Halftime Show,” Kid Rock catapulted to the top…
Two snowmobilers in Wyoming killed in separate accidents

Two Snowmobilers Tragically Lose Lives in Separate Wyoming Accidents

In late January, two individuals lost their lives in separate snowmobile accidents…
Olympics 2026: St. Viator High School cheers for Gurnee, IL native Danny O'Shea and Ellie Kam, Team USA figure skating winners

Olympics 2026: St. Viator High School Celebrates as Gurnee’s Own Danny O’Shea and Ellie Kam Triumph in Figure Skating for Team USA

Danny O’Shea’s journey to Olympic glory culminated in winning the top honor…
Jacksonville mourns former Rep. Terry Fields, mentor and community champion

Honoring a Legacy: Remembering Jacksonville’s Beloved Mentor and Advocate, Former Rep. Terry Fields

The Jacksonville community is coming together to honor the life and contributions…
A $12 billion alarm for Mayor Mamdani

Mayor Mamdani Faces $12 Billion Challenge: What This Means for the City’s Future

Recent reports of New York City’s $12 billion budget shortfall have thrown…
DOJ Admits 'Orange Shape' in Epstein Death

DOJ Confirms ‘Orange Shape’ in Investigation of Epstein’s Death

Jeffrey Epstein’s death on August 9, 2019, remains a stark symbol of…
Deadline nears for ransom allegedly from kidnappers of 'TODAY' host Savannah Guthrie's mother

Urgent Deadline Looms in Alleged Ransom Demand for ‘TODAY’ Host Savannah Guthrie’s Mother Kidnapping Case

The Guthrie family has expressed their willingness to meet the ransom demands…
2 inmates escape from a South Georgia jail

Two Inmates Successfully Escape from South Georgia Correctional Facility

Two inmates, charged with serious offenses including murder, made their escape from…
Update: Another Nail Gets Hammered Into Media-Driven Talking Point About Arrests of Non-Violent Illegals

Latest Analysis Challenges Media Narrative on Non-Violent Immigrant Arrests

In an earlier report, RedState highlighted a CBS News article scrutinizing the…