Judge dismisses charges against 2 people accused of ramming vehicle of federal agents conducting Chicago immigration sweeps
Share this @internewscast.com

On Thursday, a federal judge decided to drop charges against two individuals accused of “ambushing” federal agents during an immigration operation in Chicago last month. This group included a woman who was shot five times during the episode.

U.S. District Judge Georgia Alexakis dismissed the charges concerning Marimar Martinez and Anthony Ruiz following an unexpected request from the Department of Justice to do so.

The dismissal by Judge Alexakis was made with prejudice, ensuring that the case cannot be reopened in the future.

Earlier on Thursday, the government submitted a motion requesting the judge to “dismiss the indictment” against Martinez and Ruiz. The two were involved in a confrontation with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents in Chicago on October 4th.

Law enforcement officers during a standoff with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and federal officers in the Little Village neighborhood of Chicago, Oct. 4, 2025.Jim Vondruska/Reuters

This incident sparked a series of street protests on Chicago’s Southwest Side.

Christopher Parente, Martinez’s attorney, expressed to ABC News on Thursday that both he and his client are relieved by the government’s decision to drop the charges.

“We appreciate the U.S. attorney being thoughtful in agreeing to dismiss this,” Parente said.

Martinez thanked the judge and “everybody that supported me.”

“I’m just grateful for everything,” Martinez told reporters after the hearing. “I’m just happy. I’m excited.”

Parente told reporters that Martinez didn’t deserve to be shot and that they are “going to work on getting her justice,” but for now are thankful that the prosecutors “did the right thing.”

Martinez, 30, and Ruiz, 21, were accused by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) of being part of a convoy of protesters in vehicles that converged on CPB agents and rammed their vehicle during what the DHS called an “ambush.”

An October DHS statement said CBP agents opened fire on Martinez in self-defense, alleging she was “armed with a semi-automatic weapon” and was driving one of three vehicles that “cornered” and rammed the CBP agents’ vehicle.

A woman walks next to what appears to be smoke as U.S. federal agents (not pictured) detain people in the Old Irving Park neighborhood of Chicago, October 25, 2025.James Hotchkiss/Reuters

Martinez was later found to have a handgun in her purse, for which she had a license and a concealed carry permit, according to Parente. Martinez was never charged with any weapons offense in connection with the vehicular incident.

Martinez and Ruiz were both charged with assault with a deadly weapon in the alleged ramming attack.

DHS officials initially described Martinez, Ruiz and the other protesters involved in the incident as “domestic terrorists.”

During Thursday’s hearing, Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald DeWald consented to dismissing the case with prejudice.

“We are not seeking any technical advantage here,” DeWald said. “We do not intend to refile these charges.”

The decision by the DOJ to dismiss the charges against Martinez and Ruiz came a day after a federal judge in Chicago ordered the government to turn over to the defense additional text messages by the CBP agents involved in the incident.

During a Nov. 5 court hearing, CBP Agent Charles Exum, identified as the agent who shot Martinez, was questioned by Parente about text messages he sent to friends and family after the incident in which he appeared to boast about his shooting skills.

“I fired 5 rounds and she had 7 holes. Put that in your book, boys,” one of those messages said.

When pressed by Parente about the text messages during his testimony, Exum said, “I am a firearms instructor and I take pride in my shooting skills.”

Parente then asked, “So you’re bragging that you shot her five times and gets seven holes, five shots? Are you literally bragging about this?”

Exum responded, “I’m just saying five shots, seven holes.”

Federal prosecutors initially claimed that Exum fired rounds at Martinez in self-defense, saying that Martinez drove toward him when he exited his vehicle after the collision.

During an Oct. 6 hearing, Parente claimed in court that he viewed a body-camera video from one of the agents involved in the incident that he said appeared to show the federal vehicle swerve into Martinez’s car.

“When I watched the video after this agent says, ‘Do something, b—-,’ I see the driver of this vehicle turn the wheel to the left. Which would be consistent with him running into Ms. Martinez’s vehicle, okay,” Parente said. “And then seconds later, he jumps out and just starts shooting.”

Parente also said Martinez is licensed to carry a concealed weapon and that the gun federal officials claimed she had during the confrontation with CBP agents was never removed from her purse.

In response to an ABC News request for comment about the motion to dismiss and Exum’s text messages, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin reiterated the agency’s previous statements, again calling Martinez and Ruiz “domestic terrorists.” McLaughlin did not address Exum’s text messages and referred ABC News to the Justice Department for information about the charges against Martinez and Ruiz.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Short on starters, Nets lean on youth in 120-96 to Rockets

Nets Rely on Young Talent in 120-96 Victory Over Rockets

In their matchup against the Houston Rockets, the Brooklyn Nets saw two…
McHenry Township Fire Service chief featured on Rose Parade City of Hope float after colon cancer diagnosis

Fire Chief’s Inspiring Journey: From Colon Cancer Diagnosis to Rose Parade Fame on City of Hope Float

A heartwarming scene unfolded in Pasadena, California, during the Rose Parade on…
Maduro says Venezuela is 'ready' to make deal with US on drugs and oil after military strikes

Venezuela Poised for US Agreement on Oil and Drug Challenges Following Military Actions, Says Maduro

In a surprising turn of events, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has expressed…
U.S. announces more military actions against ISIS: 'We will not relent'

U.S. Intensifies Military Operations Against ISIS, Asserts Unwavering Commitment

On Tuesday, the U.S. Central Command revealed that nearly 25 ISIS operatives…
5 college players who could help the Jets in 2026

Top 5 College Football Prospects Poised to Boost New York Jets in 2026

The Jets have officially entered the draft season. With their playoff hopes…
Trump, in interview, defends his energy and health, offers new details on screening he underwent

Trump Unveils Health Secrets: Defends Vitality and Shares Exclusive Details on Recent Screening

In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, President Donald Trump addressed…
Officials race to identify mostly young victims of deadly Swiss Alps bar fire

Authorities Rush to Identify Predominantly Young Victims in Tragic Swiss Alps Bar Fire

On Friday, Swiss authorities undertook the somber task of identifying the primarily…
5 big immigration changes taking effect across the US

Major Immigration Reforms: 5 Key Changes Reshaping U.S. Policy in 2023

In 2025, a series of immigration policy updates significantly altered the landscape…
Amazon Prime offers holiday gas deal: How to redeem the perk

Surprise Amazon Checks Arrive: Find Out Why They’re Landing in Your Mailbox

Recent reports reveal that Amazon has been sending checks to some of…
Singer Pink undergoes neck surgery on New Year’s Eve

Singer Pink Successfully Undergoes Neck Surgery on New Year’s Eve

Pop star Pink spent New Year’s Eve in a hospital, where she…
Planned burn gets out of control in St. Johns County, prompting large response

Controlled Burn in St. Johns County Sparks Unexpected Emergency Response

A New Year’s Day controlled burn in St. Johns County took an…
2026 Tax Revolt Looms Over Globalist Spending

Anticipation Builds for 2026 Tax Protest in Response to Global Spending Policies

Outraged over funding for foreign wars and Somali fraud, a growing movement…