Killing of Ruben Ray Martinez
Ruben Ray Martinez (23, U.S. citizen) was killed by ICE (Homeland Security Investigations) on 2025-03-15, in South Padre Island, Texas (died at hospital in Brownsville). Shot at close range through his car's side window by an HSI agent during an encounter; the killing went publicly unreported until early 2026.
Official account
Officials said Martinez "accelerated" and "intentionally ran over" an agent with his vehicle.
What is documented
- Person: Ruben Ray Martinez, age 23; U.S. citizen.
- Location: South Padre Island, Texas (died at hospital in Brownsville).
- Agency: ICE (Homeland Security Investigations).
- Cause: shot.
- Circumstance: Shot at close range through his car's side window by an HSI agent during an encounter; the killing went publicly unreported until early 2026.
- Agent(s) named: HSI Special Agent Jack Stevens.
Scrutiny of the official account
Grounded in the sourced record below; this documents the dispute rather than asserting a conclusion.
- Contradicting evidence: Bodycam/other footage cited by CBS News and his lawyers indicates the car was barely moving/braking and he was shot point-blank while the agent was not in danger.
- Status / dispute: Investigated by Texas DPS; grand jury declined to indict. Rep. Joaquin Castro demanded full disclosure.
Unanswered questions
- Will the responsible agency release its full records, footage, and the medical examiner's findings?
- Was the death preventable — and were required medical or welfare protocols followed?
- Will an independent body (not the agency itself) investigate?
Help document this death
If you have information, photos, video, or documentation about this death:
- Submit a tip / report: Submit an incident report
- Upload photos or video: Upload media to the ICE List
- Identify an agent or vehicle: Submit agent information
See also
Needs review