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
John Brennan slammed for saying he believes Iran more than Trump

John Brennan Criticized for Trusting Iran Over Trump

Former CIA Director John Brennan faced criticism from the White House and…
'It's sick' — footage shows masked thugs prowling through posh LA farmers market

Shocking Footage: Masked Intruders Disrupt Upscale LA Farmers Market – What You Need to Know!

A masked gang recorded themselves causing chaos in an organized assault at…
A 1,000-year-old cliff-top temple lies battered after Cambodia-Thailand border clashes

Ancient Cliff-Top Temple Endures Damage Amid Cambodia-Thailand Border Conflict

PREAH VIHEAR, Cambodia — A ceasefire may have halted the intense border…
Plus-size retailer Torrid closing 151 locations across US

Torrid Announces Closure of 151 Stores Nationwide Amid Strategic Restructuring

Torrid, a prominent women’s clothing brand based in California, has had to…
Gulf states inching closer to joining Iran war after attacks on bases, energy facilities: report

Escalating Tensions: Gulf States Poised to Enter Iran Conflict Amid Recent Attacks on Key Facilities

US allies in the Persian Gulf are adjusting their strategies amidst escalating…
Human Relations Commissioner Nancy Andrade resigns from Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson's administration

Chicago Mayor’s Key Advisor Nancy Andrade Steps Down: Implications for City Leadership

A prominent figure within Mayor Brandon Johnson’s team is set to depart…
NASA's Artemis program is getting a makeover. Here's a look at some of the new changes.

Countdown to Artemis II: NASA Sets Launch Date for Historic Lunar Mission

Initially slated for a February launch, the highly anticipated moon rocket has…
Woman who married a river to raise awareness celebrates third wedding anniversary

Woman Commemorates Unique Union with River on Third Anniversary to Highlight Environmental Awareness

A woman is marking her third wedding anniversary in an unconventional way—by…
Kash Patel's phone records, bank info swept up in Biden admin's 'Watergate'

Controversy Erupts: Biden Administration Accused of ‘Watergate’-Style Tactics in Kash Patel Investigation

The Senate Judiciary subcommittee is set to delve into what Republicans are…
Pentagon leaders award 2 Purple Hearts to Old Dominion cadets who took down ISIS supporter

Pentagon Honors Old Dominion Cadets with Purple Hearts for Heroic Action Against ISIS Supporter

The highest civilian and enlisted officials of the Army have recently recognized…
Democrat Emily Gregory flips long-held Florida GOP House seat that includes Trump's Mar-a-Lago

Democrat Emily Gregory Secures Historic Win in Florida, Capturing GOP Stronghold Including Mar-a-Lago

On Tuesday, Democrats in Florida achieved a significant political shift by capturing…
ISIS, Iran escalating global campaign against Jews, Israel spy chief says

Chicago Resident Released on Bond Following Alleged Synagogue Threat and Targeting of Israeli Official

A man from Chicago, accused of making threats to attack a synagogue…