A federal judge is expected to rule Friday on whether body camera footage and other evidence can be made public in the case of Marimar Martinez, a Chicago woman who was shot five times by a Customs and Border Protection agent during a federal immigration operation last fall.
Martinez’s attorney, Chris Parente, is asking the court to lift a protective order that currently keeps the materials sealed, arguing that public release is necessary to “combat the continuing harm to her reputation.” The requested evidence includes body camera video, photographs, and electronic communications related to the shooting.
Case Draws National Attention
The hearing comes days after Martinez testified before Congress, where she described surviving the encounter and called on lawmakers to address federal law enforcement practices.
“Silence is no longer an option,” Martinez told lawmakers, saying she feels a responsibility to speak out about what she says is happening on the streets across the country.
Government Pushback
Prosecutors have opposed releasing the evidence, arguing the court lacks jurisdiction because an appeal is pending. They also contend that some materials, including private text messages from the CBP agent involved, should remain sealed to protect law enforcement methods and personal privacy.
The government dismissed all charges against Martinez in November after previously accusing her of participating in an “ambush” of CBP agents by ramming their vehicle during Operation Midway Blitz.
Disputed Narrative
Parente has accused federal authorities of waging what he called a “counter-factual public relations war” against his client, noting that official statements labeling Martinez a “domestic terrorist” remain online.
Court filings also highlight controversial text messages sent by CBP Agent Charles Exum after the shooting, in which he appeared to boast about firing five shots that caused seven wounds. Exum later testified that he was expressing pride in his firearms skills.
Ongoing Impact
Martinez has said she continues to suffer from physical pain and lasting psychological trauma.
“The mental scars will always be there,” she said, describing the incident as a moment when she believes her own government tried to kill her and then vilified her afterward.
The judge’s decision could determine whether the public gains access to key evidence in one of the most closely watched CBP use-of-force cases in Chicago.
This is a developing story, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine for more updates.