US citizen shot and killed by federal immigration agent last year, new records show

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 3 min read 100% complete by Associated PressFebruary 21, 2026 at 02:11 AM

AI Summary

medium article 3 min

Newly released records reveal that a U.S. citizen, Ruben Ray Martinez, was fatally shot by a Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agent in South Padre Island, Texas, in March 2025 during an immigration enforcement operation. The incident, which was not publicly disclosed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) until recently, occurred during a late-night traffic encounter. According to DHS, the shooting happened after Martinez allegedly intentionally struck an agent with his vehicle, prompting another agent to fire defensive shots. The records, obtained through a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit by American Oversight, indicate HSI was assisting local police with traffic control following an accident when the incident occurred. The DHS has not explained why the shooting was not publicly announced for 11 months.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

San Antonio 40% Rachel Reyes 50% United States ×260% Donald Trump 60% American Oversight 70% Texas 70% Immigration and Customs Enforcement 70% South Padre Island ×370% Homeland Security Investigations ×380% Department of Homeland Security ×380% Ruben Ray Martinez ×490%

Keywords

fatal shooting 90% immigration enforcement 80% homeland security investigations 70% officer-involved shooting 70% us citizen 60% south padre island 50% traffic encounter 50% freedom of information act 40%