Chicago Woman Shot by Immigration Officer Files Federal Lawsuit Against U.S. Government

A Chicago woman who survived being shot multiple times by a federal immigration officer last year has filed a federal lawsuit against the U.S. government, seeking accountability for the agent responsible. Marimar Martinez, 31, and her legal team announced the filing in Chicago on Monday, presenting evidence they say refutes initial Department of Homeland Security assertions that the officer faced imminent danger from her vehicle.

Martinez’s attorneys released a forensic reconstruction of the October 4, 2025, incident, which they argue contradicts claims made by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The reconstruction purports to demonstrate that Agent Charles Exum fired his government-issued Glock 47 handgun five times into Martinez’s SUV—three shots through the windshield, one through the front passenger window, and one through the rear passenger window—striking Martinez seven times in her legs, right forearm, and chest.

According to the lawsuit, Exum discharged his weapon within two seconds of exiting his SUV, without issuing verbal commands or warnings. The complaint also alleges that body-camera footage shows Exum stating, “all right, it’s on now [expletive],” shortly before ramming Martinez’s vehicle and opening fire.

During a press conference flanked by his attorneys, Martinez expressed her desire to prevent similar incidents. “I want to spread awareness because what’s happening is not normal,” said Martinez, a Montessori school teacher’s aide. “We shouldn’t sit here and normalize what’s happening, and I’m not going to sit here.”

Christopher Parente, one of Martinez’s attorneys, criticized the agent’s actions. “In what world can a U.S. law enforcement officer stand behind a car and fire his Glock service weapon through the rear passenger window at a young woman who’s crouched over the steering wheel? In what world can you justify that? You can’t,” Parente said.

The shooting occurred during the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement initiative known as Operation Midway Blitz. Immediately following the incident, the administration labeled Martinez a “domestic terrorist” and accused her of ambushing and ramming a CBP vehicle while armed with a semi-automatic weapon. However, Martinez held a valid concealed carry permit for the handgun found in her purse, and charges of assault with a deadly weapon were permanently dismissed by the Department of Justice in November 2025.

Court-released evidence later appeared to undermine the administration’s narrative. The lawsuit alleges that bullet trajectories prove Martinez was not driving toward Exum when he fired, contradicting his statements to the FBI. An ABC News analysis of videos ordered released by a federal judge suggested armed agents may have been taunting Martinez moments before Exum swerved into her vehicle.

frustrated by the lack of criminal charges against Exum more than a year after the shooting, Martinez’s legal team filed the lawsuit under the Federal Tort Claims Act, citing negligent and wrongful acts by federal employees. The Department of Justice declined to comment on the ongoing litigation. A DHS spokesperson referred questions to the DOJ, confirming that Exum was placed on administrative leave consistent with policy.

Martinez’s lawsuit follows similar legal action filed earlier this month by the family of Renee Good, a U.S. citizen and mother of three who was fatally shot by an ICE agent in Minneapolis. Good’s family alleges the agent’s claim of self-defense is false, adding to a growing series of legal challenges against the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown.