A Chicago woman and US citizen, Marimar Martinez, has filed a lawsuit against the federal government, alleging she was shot by a Customs and Border Protection agent during a raid in October 2025. Martinez sustained seven gunshot wounds after authorities initially accused her of using her vehicle to threaten the officer.

However, her attorneys presented ballistic evidence suggesting the agent, Charles Exum, lied about the incident, firing multiple shots from behind her vehicle and not in her direct path as claimed. The case has drawn attention to use-of-force practices during immigration enforcement operations and the potential for misconduct among federal agents.

Martinez's lawsuit, filed under the Federal Tort Claims Act, includes testimonies and expert analyses that challenge the officer’s account. Surveillance footage reportedly shows aggressive language from agents before the shooting, and messages praising Exum have been circulated.

The incident is part of a broader pattern of shootings involving federal agents during immigration crackdowns under the Trump administration, prompting questions about accountability and the use of deadly force in such operations. Martinez's move to legal action aims to bring transparency and justice amid ongoing concerns over law enforcement conduct during immigration enforcement activities.

Marimar Martinez, a 30-year-old American citizen, filed a lawsuit against the federal government after being shot multiple times by a Customs and Border Protection agent during an immigration enforcement operation in Chicago. The incident took place during 'Operation Midway Blitz,' where prosecutors initially accused her of using her vehicle to threaten an agent before the shooting, but charges were soon dismissed.

New expert analysis suggests the agent's account was false, indicating he fired from behind her vehicle without being in her direct path. Martinez’s lawsuit claims the agent lied about her driving toward him, with evidence pointing to bullet trajectories that contradict his statements.

The complaint highlights a pattern of aggressive force during immigration enforcement under the Trump administration, citing recent similar incidents across various states. Exum was placed on administrative leave, and the case has brought attention to widespread concerns over the use of deadly force during immigration raids.

Martinez, who was hospitalized with seven gunshot wounds, was arrested but released shortly after her injury. She spoke at a news conference about her decision to sue, criticizing the normalization of such shootings and stressing the need for accountability, especially following recent incidents involving federal agents shooting unarmed individuals in vehicles.

The case raises questions about the legality and morality of law enforcement’s conduct during immigration enforcement actions.

In a tense interview with CBS, border czar Tom Homan challenged questions about migrant deaths in ICE custody, accusing the journalist of asking a loaded question about data collection. When pressed about deaths under the Biden administration, Homan refused to provide specific figures, instead highlighting his belief that ICE maintains strict detention standards and offers high-quality medical care to detainees.

He emphasized that the increase in custody populations has resulted in more deaths, but claims ICE's safety standards remain among the lowest compared to state and federal prisons. Homan also argued that ICE's medical services often save lives by diagnosing health issues detainees were unaware of, and he defended the agency's record by stating that detainee death rates are among the lowest in the nation.

Critics like former Trump administration official Theo Wold argued that the press questions are politically motivated and that increased enforcement under different administrations inherently leads to more in-custody deaths. The exchange underscores ongoing debates over detention practices, data transparency, and the humanitarian standards of immigration enforcement during the Biden era.

In a tense interview, border czar Tom Homan confronted CBS reporter Camilo Montoya-Galvez over questions about migrant deaths in ICE custody, emphasizing that data from the Biden administration is not readily available. Homan argued that ICE maintains high detention standards, with lower death rates compared to state prisons, and highlighted efforts to provide top-tier medical care to detainees.

He also pointed out that increases in detention populations have led to more deaths, but asserted that overall, ICE's safety standards remain the highest. Homan accused the media of framing questions unfairly, criticizing what he called 'loaded questions' about detainee deaths.

He maintained that ICE's medical services are among the best, with significant resources allocated to detainee health. Former officials, like Theo Wold, criticized the approach of such questioning, suggesting that increased enforcement under the Trump administration has naturally resulted in more detainees and related deaths, most largely beyond ICE's direct control.

During a tense interview with CBS News, border czar Tom Homan pushed back against questions concerning migrant deaths in ICE custody, claiming the agency maintains the highest detention standards and highlighting the increase in detainee numbers. The exchange centered on whether the Biden administration has seen record-high fatalities, with Homan emphasizing that ICE's death rates remain low relative to prison systems and that their medical care is among the best.

Despite reports of 57 deaths so far this year and predictions of 2026 surpassing previous records, Homan attributed the rise to increased detention populations rather than negligence. Homan underscored the efforts of ICE to provide comprehensive medical treatment, noting a budget of nearly a billion dollars for healthcare and asserting that ICE’s detention standards surpass those of federal and state prisons.

He also criticized media questions as loaded and argued that in-custody deaths are an unfortunate reality across all enforcement agencies, not unique to ICE. This exchange highlights ongoing political debates about immigration enforcement, detention conditions, and the accuracy of mortality data in custody.

A Chicago woman has filed a lawsuit against the federal government, alleging that she was unjustly shot by a Border Patrol agent. This legal action is part of a broader movement against controversial immigration enforcement practices during the Trump administration, with multiple individuals seeking accountability and justice for perceived misconduct.

A woman from Chicago has filed a lawsuit against the federal government after being shot by a Border Patrol agent. The case reflects ongoing tensions and legal actions related to the aggressive immigration enforcement policies during the Trump administration.

The lawsuit highlights concerns over use of force and accountability for incidents involving federal immigration authorities.

A Chicago woman, Marimar Martinez, who was shot five times by a Customs and Border Protection agent during an immigration enforcement operation, has filed a federal civil lawsuit against the U.S. government.

The lawsuit claims the shooting was unjustified, with new evidence indicating the agent, Charles Exum, was not in danger at the time and should face criminal charges. The incident took place in October during Operation Midway Blitz, a mass immigration enforcement sweep in Chicago, and has sparked controversy over use of force by federal officers.

Martinez’s attorneys present detailed scene reconstructions and surveillance footage showing that Exum was not in her path when he fired, challenging previous claims that she was threatening him. Additionally, Exum was not wearing a body camera, despite policy requiring all ICE agents to do so—raising questions about accountability.

Exum's messages bragging about the shooting and his pride in his marksmanship have further intensified scrutiny, while federal prosecutors dismissed charges against Martinez initially filed after the shooting. The lawsuit accuses federal agents of negligence, assault, false arrest, and malicious prosecution, and calls on authorities to pursue criminal charges against Exum.

Marimar Martinez, a teaching aide in Chicago, has filed a federal civil lawsuit against the U.S. government after being shot five times by Border Patrol agent Charles Exum during a confrontation in October last year.

The incident occurred amidst the Trump-era Operation Midway Blitz, a focus of large-scale immigration enforcement in Chicago. Attorneys argue that new evidence demonstrates Exum was not in danger, exposing potential negligence and misconduct, and are calling for criminal charges against him.

The lawsuit alleges various claims including negligence, assault, and false imprisonment, emphasizing that the shooting was unjustified and has caused Martinez significant physical and emotional trauma. Additionally, investigations reveal that Exum, who was not wearing a body camera, falsely claimed to have been in the path of the vehicle when shooting her, with reconstructions indicating he was not in a position to justify his actions.

Exum posted messages bragging about the shooting, and evidence shows he was proud of his marksmanship. The incident also involved false charges against Martinez and another individual, which were later dismissed after new video evidence and revelations about Exum's behavior surfaced.

The Department of Homeland Security placed Exum on administrative leave, while attorneys urge further criminal prosecution and prompt accountability. Martinez hopes her case will raise awareness about excessive force and misconduct during immigration enforcement operations.

The Catholic Archdiocese of St. Louis has filed a lawsuit against the federal government, alleging that detainees at an immigration facility in Missouri are being denied adequate access to priests and sacraments.

The suit claims that religious visits are severely restricted to a four-hour window on Mondays, with detainees only able to speak to clergy via phone through a glass partition, despite ICE policies permitting more flexible visitation. Archbishop Mitchell Rozanski emphasized that such restrictions infringe on detainees' religious rights, preventing priests from administering sacraments like confession and communion.

The detainees, primarily Hispanic Catholic immigrants, are affected by broader immigration enforcement actions under the Trump administration, which have faced criticism for alleged human rights abuses. The lawsuit highlights the conflict between religious law and jail procedures, notably the Church's stance against electronic confessions and the sacrilege of passing consecrated hosts through a container to detainees.

The archdiocese is seeking equal visitation rights for clergy as those granted to attorneys and consular staff, arguing that current restrictions violate the detainees' spiritual and civil rights.

The Catholic Archdiocese of St. Louis has filed a lawsuit against the federal government, alleging that detainees at an immigration facility in Missouri are deprived of essential priestly contact and sacraments.

The suit criticizes the limited visitation hours and the use of glass partitions and phone calls that hinder priests from performing confessions, mass, and anointing, which are vital to Catholic practice. Archbishop Mitchell Rozanski emphasized that this restricts detainees' religious rights and prevents clergy from fulfilling their ministerial duties.

The lawsuit points out that despite ICE policies allowing unrestricted clergy visits with proper notification, enforcement lapses have led to significant restrictions, impacting roughly 150 detainees, mostly Hispanic Catholics. These restrictions are part of broader immigration enforcement measures under the Trump administration, which human rights groups have condemned.

The archdiocese also highlights the church’s opposition to proposed clandestine transfer methods, such as placing hosts in containers passed through guards, calling such measures sacrilegious. The suit requests equal access for clergy similar to that given to attorneys and consular officials, to ensure detainees’ religious rights are protected.

The Catholic Archdiocese of St. Louis has filed a lawsuit against the federal government, alleging that detainees at an immigration facility in Missouri are being denied private access to priests and sacraments such as confession and communion.

The lawsuit highlights that clergy visit restrictions, including a limited four-hour window and communication through glass partitions, prevent detainees from practicing their faith fully. Archbishop Mitchell Rozanski emphasized that these barriers infringe on religious rights and hinder ministers from performing essential rites like confession, Mass, and anointing.

The suit claims that despite ICE's policy allowing clergy to visit for extended periods with proper notification, enforcement falls short, effectively restricting meaningful spiritual contact. Detainees, mostly Hispanic Catholics, are affected by broader immigration enforcement measures under the Trump administration, amid allegations of rights abuses by human rights organizations.

The Catholic Church condemns electronic confession and non-private contact, describing current prison procedures as sacrilegious, particularly the proposal to pass communion through containers. The archdiocese seeks parity with legal and consular visits, demanding improved access for clergy to serve the spiritual needs of detainees.

The Catholic Archdiocese of St. Louis has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government, alleging that detainees at an immigration facility in Missouri are being denied adequate access to priests for sacraments and spiritual care.

The lawsuit highlights that clergy visits are severely limited to a four-hour window on Mondays, with communication restricted to phone calls through glass partitions, and accuses the Department of Homeland Security of not enforcing its own policies. Archbishop Mitchell Rozanski emphasized that these restrictions prevent detainees, many of whom are Hispanic Catholics, from receiving Mass, confession, or anointing of the sick — vital sacraments in Catholic practice.

The diocese argues that current conditions violate religious rights and hinder priests' ability to perform their ministerial duties. The lawsuit requests that clergy be granted the same access as legal or consular representatives, emphasizing the importance of religious rites for detainees.

This legal action comes amid broader immigration enforcement efforts under the Trump administration, which have faced criticism from human rights groups for alleged abuses. The situation raises concerns about religious freedom, detainee rights, and the treatment of immigrants in federal custody.

The Catholic Archdiocese of St. Louis has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government, claiming detainees at an immigration facility in Missouri are being denied adequate access to priests for private conversations and sacraments.

The suit highlights that clergy can only visit detainees during a four-hour weekly window and are limited to speaking through a glass partition via telephone, violating both policy and religious rights. Archbishop Mitchell Rozanski emphasized that these restrictions prevent detainees from receiving essential sacraments like confession, communion, and anointing of the sick, which are vital aspects of Catholic ministry.

The lawsuit comes amid broader immigration enforcement actions during the Trump administration, with human rights groups criticizing conditions at detention centers. The archdiocese asserts that ICE's own policies permit more frequent access, but enforcement discrepancies hinder clergy from fulfilling their duties.

The legal challenge also underscores the religious implications of the detention practices, with priests refusing non-private or non-consecrated contact methods, considering them sacrilegious. The archdiocese seeks equal access for clergy comparable to that granted to legal representatives and consular officials.

The Catholic Archdiocese of St. Louis has filed a lawsuit against the federal government and local officials, claiming detainees at a Missouri immigration facility are being denied private access to priests and essential sacraments.

The lawsuit highlights restrictions that limit clergy visits to a four-hour window weekly and restrict contact through glass partitions, preventing detainees from receiving confessions, Mass, and anointing of the sick. Archbishop Mitchell Rozanski emphasized that these restrictions infringe on religious rights and hinder pastoral care.

The lawsuit accuses Immigration and Customs Enforcement of not enforcing its own policies, which state that clergy can visit detainees at any time with prior notification. The diocese contends that such limitations violate religious principles, especially since the detainees are predominantly Hispanic Catholics.

The case underscores ongoing concerns about detainee treatment amid broader immigration enforcement measures under the Trump administration, with critics citing human rights violations.