The attorney of Marimar Martinez, whom US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents shot multiple times in Chicago in October, argued Wednesday that released evidence shows that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has lied about information tied to investigations.
Attorney Christopher Parente detailed instances in which DHS lied about circumstances of the shooting and about Martinez’s past. Parente explained how a diagram of the altercation drawn by an ICE agent–meant to show how Martinez allegedly rammed into an ICE vehicle–depicted vehicles that “don’t exist.”
DHS officials had also alleged that Martinez had a past history of “doxxing federal agents” which contributed to labeling her a “domestic terrorist.” However, officials have brought no evidence to support this, and Martinez has no apparent criminal background.
Through discovery, Parente also unveiled documents that suggest ICE and DHS have “encouraged, celebrated and rewarded” protester killings. An email sent from Gregory Bovino, leader of enforcement operations in Chicago at the time, congratulated shooting officer, Charles Exum, “[i]n light of [his] excellent service in Chicago.”
Other released documents include text chains between ICE agents calling Exum “a legend.” In one text, Exum allegedly wrote of the shooting: “I fired 5 rounds and she had 7 holes. Put that in your book boys.”
On October 4, 2025, ICE agents drove through a Chicago neighborhood, and Martinez followed them while honking her horn to alert residents. Authorities stated Martinez and another driver rammed into a vehicle operated by Exum. Exum subsequently shot Martinez five times. She is currently being treated for her injuries.
The Justice Department initially brought a felony charge against Martinez, but quickly dropped the case after videos emerged of an ICE agent driving into Martinez’s car.
Parente pushed for the documents to be released following fatal ICE altercations in Minneapolis and Chicago. He seeks to pursue a complaint under the Federal Tort Claims Act. If DHS denies the claim or does not act on it within six months, Martinez can file a federal lawsuit.
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