Federal agent shoots and kills American citizen Ruben Ray Martinez during immigration enforcement operation in South Padre Island Texas last March

An American family is grappling with tragedy after their son, Ruben Ray Martinez, 23, was fatally shot by a federal agent in South Padre Island, Texas, last March.

The incident, which occurred nearly a year before two Minneapolis residents were killed in separate encounters with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), has resurfaced as watchdog group American Oversight released detailed records this week.

The 352-page document dump, viewed by the Daily Mail and first reported by Newsweek, contains several “significant incident” reports that had never been publicly available.

Among them is the March 15, 2025, case involving Martinez.

What Happened That Day

According to the newly released report, Martinez was driving a blue Ford 4-door vehicle when he encountered federal agents conducting immigration enforcement operations alongside the South Padre Island Police Department.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claimed that agents repeatedly commanded Martinez to stop his vehicle, surrounding him to prevent further movement.

The report alleges that Martinez accelerated the car and struck a Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agent, who was reportedly thrown onto the hood of the vehicle.

In response, one of the federal agents fired multiple rounds through the open driver’s window.

Martinez was transported to a hospital in nearby Brownsville, where he was later pronounced dead.

At the time, local media described the incident as an “officer-involved shooting,” but the specifics of federal involvement were unclear.

It wasn’t until these reports surfaced that Martinez’s identity as a U.S. citizen involved in the shooting became publicly confirmed.

Conflicting Accounts Emerge

DHS issued a statement defending the agents’ actions, claiming that the driver “intentionally ran over a Homeland Security Investigations special agent,” and that defensive gunfire was necessary to protect officers and the public.

The agent allegedly struck by the vehicle sustained a knee injury and required medical attention.

However, Martinez’s mother, Rachel Reyes, told New York Times that her son had no criminal history and described him as a responsible, hardworking young man.

“He was a good kid. He doesn’t have a criminal history.

He never got in trouble. He was never violent,” she said, challenging the DHS version of events.

Eyewitness reports also appear to contradict parts of ICE’s internal documentation, according to the family’s attorney, Alex Stamm.

The discrepancies highlight ongoing concerns about the transparency of federal enforcement actions.

Investigations and Oversight

The Texas Department of Public Safety Ranger Division has been leading the investigation into the shooting, though officials have confirmed it remains active.

DHS confirmed Martinez’s death but offered few additional details.

This case joins a growing list of controversial ICE-related shootings that have raised questions about the agency’s operational procedures and accountability standards.

Analysts note that the release of internal incident reports can shed light on patterns of federal enforcement but often reveals inconsistencies that complicate public understanding.

Broader Context of ICE Operations

Federal immigration enforcement has long been contentious in Texas, a border state that frequently sees cross-agency operations.

The use of armed intervention during traffic stops or enforcement encounters has sparked debate among legal experts, civil rights advocates, and lawmakers.

The Martinez case, in particular, highlights the delicate balance between agent safety and civilian protection.

Advocates argue that without independent oversight and clearer protocols, similar incidents risk repeating.

What’s next?

The Department of Public Safety investigation remains active, and it is unclear when additional findings will be released.

Legal experts anticipate that the family may pursue civil action depending on the investigation’s outcome.

Meanwhile, public interest in ICE enforcement tactics continues to grow, fueled by watchdog reports like the American Oversight release.

Advocacy groups are calling for stricter transparency measures, independent investigations of federal shootings, and clearer accountability for agents in the field.

The case could also influence ongoing discussions in Congress about federal immigration enforcement policies, oversight of HSI operations, and the treatment of U.S. citizens during ICE interventions.

Summary

Ruben Ray Martinez, 23, was shot and killed by a federal agent in South Padre Island, Texas, on March 15, 2025, after allegedly striking a Homeland Security Investigations officer during an immigration enforcement operation.

Newly released documents from American Oversight detail the incident and raise questions about the accuracy of ICE’s internal reports.

DHS maintains that defensive gunfire was necessary, while Martinez’s family disputes this account, describing him as a law-abiding young man.

The Texas Department of Public Safety continues to investigate, and the case has sparked renewed debate over ICE operational procedures, transparency, and accountability.