An attorney for a Chicago woman shot five times by a Customs and Border Protection agent is asking a federal judge to allow key evidence in the case to be made public, arguing it is necessary to correct what he calls ongoing damage to her reputation.
Shooting During Operation Midway Blitz
Marimar Martinez was wounded during an Oct. 4, 2025, incident tied to “Operation Midway Blitz,” after her vehicle collided with an SUV driven by a supervisory Border Patrol agent. Martinez and another man were later charged with assaulting federal officers, but prosecutors dismissed the case against her in late November.
Call to Lift Protective Order
Martinez’s attorney, Chris Parente, is seeking to modify a protective order that currently blocks the release of body camera footage, photographs, and electronic communications. He argues the evidence should be disclosed to inform the public and counter what he describes as misleading government statements that continue to label Martinez a “domestic terrorist.”
Disputed Accounts and Video Evidence
Parente has said body camera footage does not align with the government’s version of events and has alleged that an agent appeared to provoke the collision before opening fire. Prosecutors have disputed that characterization.
Allegations of Evidence Mishandling
The defense has also raised concerns about how evidence was handled, including the release and cleaning of the agent’s vehicle after the shooting. A judge later ordered the SUV returned to Chicago and required the agent to testify in person.
Texts Under Scrutiny
During court proceedings, Parente cited text messages allegedly sent by the agent to friends and family that appeared to boast about the shooting, including one message referencing the number of shots fired and wounds inflicted.
Push for Transparency
Parente says making the evidence public is critical not only for Martinez, but for broader public understanding of how the Department of Homeland Security responds to shootings involving its agents. Martinez, who was released from custody after charges were dropped, has said she is grateful for the dismissal and intends to continue seeking justice.
For more on Martinez’s case, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.