Chicago Woman Testifies Before Congress After Being Shot by Border Patrol Agent

Marimar Martinez, a Chicago resident wounded by a Border Patrol agent last October, delivered testimony Wednesday to the Homeland Security Committee in Washington, D.C., calling for accountability among federal immigration officers. Martinez, 31, recounted her experience of being shot five times following an encounter with Border Patrol agents near 39th Street and Kedzie Avenue in Chicago on October 4.

According to Martinez’s account, she was driving to donate clothes when she noticed an SUV carrying what appeared to be federal immigration agents active in her neighborhood. Martinez said she followed the vehicle and attempted to alert others in the area before a collision occurred. She described how Border Patrol agent Charles Exum veered into her lane and sideswiped her vehicle. Shortly after, as she drove past the stopped Border Patrol vehicle, Martinez said shots were fired, resulting in multiple gunshot wounds to her arms and legs. She managed to drive to a nearby mechanic shop, where employees called for emergency services.

During her first appearance before a congressional committee, Martinez stressed the need for greater honesty and transparency in federal law enforcement practices. She argued that the lack of accountability for agents’ actions endangers community members, referencing the fatal encounters of Renee Macklin Good and Alex Pretti with federal officers in Minnesota. Martinez stated that she was charged in relation to the incident, while Exum, the agent who shot her, has not faced charges. Text messages previously shown in court indicated Exum described firing five rounds during the incident.

The committee hearing, requested by Democratic members, also featured testimony from others affected by federal immigration enforcement actions, including Rev. David Black of Chicago and U.S. citizens George Retes Jr. and Ryan Ecklund, who reported separate detentions and use of force incidents involving ICE.

As the Department of Homeland Security marked a record-length partial shutdown, lawmakers debated the future of border enforcement tactics and the importance of oversight. At the conclusion of Wednesday’s session, Martinez reiterated her demand for Exum to be held accountable, emphasizing the continuing impact of the events on her life.

At present, Exum has not been charged in connection with the shooting, and Martinez’s case remains a subject of attention as calls for federal law enforcement reform continue.