Newly released records reveal a 23-year-old U.S. Citizen, Ruben Ray Martinez, was shot and killed by a federal immigration agent in Texas last March during a late-night encounter. The Department of Homeland Security did not publicly disclose the shooting at the time.
Records display federal agents were assisting police
The shooting occurred on South Padre Island, where Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) officers were assisting South Padre Island police with traffic control following a vehicle accident. According to an ICE incident report, officers ordered the driver of a blue Ford to stop, and after initially not responding, the driver did come to a halt. Agents then surrounded the vehicle and instructed those inside to exit.
The report states the driver then “accelerated forward” and struck an HSI special agent, who ended up on the hood of the vehicle. A supervisory special agent then fired multiple shots through the driver’s side window, and the vehicle stopped. Martinez was transported to a hospital in Brownsville, Texas, where he was pronounced dead. The passenger was taken into custody. The HSI officer struck by the vehicle was treated for a knee injury, and released.
State investigation into shooting is still ‘active’
The Texas Rangers are leading the investigation into the shooting. Martinez’s mother, Rachel Reyes, learned approximately a week after her son’s death that a federal agent was involved. She was contacted by an investigator who reportedly told her that video evidence contradicted the federal agents’ account of the events. DHS has not responded to inquiries about the existence of this video.
Reyes stated the state report was completed in October and would be presented to a grand jury. The Texas Department of Public Safety confirmed the investigation remains “active.” Attempts to reach the Cameron County District Attorney and South Padre Island Police Chief for comment were unsuccessful.
Agents involved were part of a border task force
The HSI agents involved were part of a maritime border enforcement security task force. However, in the past year, officers from across multiple federal agencies have been reassigned to prioritize immigration enforcement. This case echoes a similar incident in Minneapolis in January, where Renee Good was killed by an ICE officer, and initial reports were questioned after video evidence emerged.
According to police use-of-force expert Geoffrey Alpert, “You don’t stand in front of the car, you don’t put yourself in harm’s way.” Reyes maintains her son would never intentionally harm a law enforcement officer, stating, “They didn’t give him a chance…It’s like they shoot first and ask questions later.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened on March 15, 2025?
Ruben Ray Martinez was shot and killed by a federal immigration agent on South Padre Island, Texas, during a late-night traffic encounter. The shooting occurred after the driver of the vehicle allegedly struck an HSI special agent.
Who is investigating the shooting?
The Texas Rangers are leading the investigation into the shooting, which remains “active.” The case may be presented to a grand jury for potential criminal charges.
What did Ruben Ray Martinez’s mother say about the incident?
Rachel Reyes said her son was a “typical young guy” who had never had any prior run-ins with law enforcement. She believes her son would never intentionally assault an officer and feels the use of force was excessive.
As the investigation continues, questions remain regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting and the initial lack of transparency from federal authorities.
