Woman shot by Border Patrol agent sues federal government over use of force

Marimar Martinez, a teaching aide who was shot five times by a Customs and Border Protection agent in Chicago during an immigration enforcement operation, has filed a federal civil lawsuit against the U.S. government. Her attorneys present new ballistic evidence suggesting the agent was not in immediate danger and claim the shooting was unjustified, requesting the Justice Department pursue criminal charges. The lawsuit alleges negligence, battery, assault, and other violations, seeking accountability for injuries Martinez sustained during the October incident.

Marimar Martinez, employed as a teaching aide at a Chicago Montessori school, became the subject of a federal civil lawsuit filed against the U.S. government following an October shooting incident involving CBP agent Charles Exum. The incident occurred during a heightened immigration enforcement operation in Chicago. Martinez's legal team commissioned independent ballistic analysis examining bullet trajectories and wound patterns to challenge the official account of the agent's actions and safety concerns during the encounter.

The lawsuit encompasses multiple allegations including negligence, assault, battery, and violations of civil rights. Martinez's attorneys have called on federal and local prosecutors to pursue criminal charges against Exum, who was placed on administrative leave following the incident. The case proceeds under the Federal Tort Claims Act, which enables civilians to seek damages from the government since federal agents cannot be sued directly.