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
Instagram says it will notify parents if teens 'repeatedly' search for terms related to suicide

Instagram’s New Safety Feature: Alerting Parents on Teens’ Repeated Searches for Suicide-Related Content

Instagram has announced a new initiative aimed at enhancing the safety of…
Child predator cleared for parole arrested after surprise warrant drops hours before prison release

Last-Minute Arrest: Parolee’s Release Halted by Unexpected Warrant

A convicted child molester from California, who was on the verge of…
Caltech astrophysicist Carl Grillmair's accused killer stalked property before fatal shooting

Tragic Shooting of Caltech Astrophysicist: Suspect Allegedly Surveyed Scene Before Attack

In a tragic incident, a man accused of murdering a distinguished astrophysicist…
National time capsule will be buried in Philadelphia on America's 250th birthday – will remain sealed until 2276

Philadelphia to Enshrine National Time Capsule on America’s 250th Anniversary, Set to Remain Sealed Until 2276

On Wednesday, an ambitious project was unveiled that will pay homage to…
DHS says Columbia student taken into custody is illegal alien whose visa was terminated under Obama admin

Columbia Student’s Arrest Sparks Immigration Debate: DHS Reveals Visa Termination Under Obama Administration

In a recent development, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed to…
Beloved California news anchor dead at 89

Iconic California News Anchor Passes Away at 89: Remembering a Broadcasting Legend

The cherished California news anchor, Dick Cable, has died at the age…
NYPD arrests suspect in park attack on officers that Mamdani dismissed as 'snowball fight'

NYPD Nabs Suspect in Controversial Park Incident Amid Mamdani’s ‘Snowball Fight’ Remarks

In a noteworthy development, the New York Police Department apprehended a 27-year-old…
Frozen blueberries recalled over possible Listeria contamination

Urgent Recall Alert: Frozen Blueberries Pose Listeria Risk – What You Need to Know Now!

A company based in Oregon is pulling back almost 56,000 pounds of…
CIA makes social media push to recruit Iranians as Trump threatens military action

CIA Launches Social Media Campaign to Attract Iranian Recruits Amid Rising Tensions

WASHINGTON — In an effort to reach out to Iranians, the U.S.…
IDF fatally shoots Gaza terrorist, uncovers tunnel network

IDF Neutralizes Gaza Militant, Discovers Extensive Tunnel System

On Thursday, Israeli forces stationed in the southern Gaza Strip shot and…
American released from Indonesia jail after serving 11 years for 'suitcase murder' as US case looms

Chicago Native Deported from Bali Following Prison Release for Murder, Arrested During Return Flight to U.S.

A Chicago man, previously convicted in the notorious 2014 suitcase murder case…
Calls for justice at Harlem funeral of boy, 2, whose dad is accused of beating him to death

Heartfelt Pleas for Justice Echo at Harlem Funeral for 2-Year-Old Boy, Allegedly Killed by Father

At just 32 months old, Maliek Morrison’s life was tragically cut short,…