March 15 2025 traffic stop ends in fatal shooting Ruben Ray Martinez, a 23‑year‑old U.S. citizen, was killed on South Padre Island when a Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agent fired multiple rounds through his driver’s‑side window after Martinez’s vehicle struck a federal officer who was directing traffic following a multi‑vehicle crash [2][8]. The incident was not disclosed as an ICE‑involved shooting until February 2026, when internal ICE records obtained via FOIA revealed the agent’s presence and the use of lethal force [3][6][10]. Martinez was pronounced dead at a Brownsville hospital, and the passenger, Joshua Orta, was taken into custody [6][8]. Texas Department of Public Safety Rangers have led the investigation, completing a state report in October and planning to present it to a grand jury [7][8].

DHS narrative describes defensive fire after agent run‑over The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) repeatedly framed the shooting as defensive, stating Martinez “intentionally ran over” an HSI special agent, prompting another agent to fire to protect himself, fellow agents, and the public [2][5][9]. DHS records note that the driver accelerated after an initial stop command, struck the agent on the hood, and was then shot through the window, resulting in three bullet wounds [6][7]. No body‑camera or dash‑cam footage has been released, and DHS has announced a future rollout of body‑cameras for field agents [1]. Federal agencies such as the FBI have declined participation, leaving the Texas Rangers as the primary investigative authority [3][5].

Eyewitness account contradicts official story Joshua Orta, the sole passenger, gave a sworn statement describing the encounter as “spontaneous” and “lighthearted,” asserting that Martinez drove cautiously, posed no threat, and was not fleeing [1]. Orta alleged the agent fired several shots from a few feet away, handcuffed the unconscious Martinez, and delayed CPR for at least ten minutes, violating use‑of‑force protocols [1]. This testimony directly opposes DHS’s claim of an intentional run‑over and defensive fire [2][5]. On February 24, 2026, Orta died in a highway crash near San Antonio, eliminating the only known eyewitness who intended to sign a statement contradicting DHS accounts [1].

State investigation proceeds amid bipartisan demands for accountability Texas Rangers continue an “active” probe, while Democratic lawmakers—including Rep. Joaquin Castro, State Sen. Roland Gutierrez, and Rep. Greg Casar—have publicly demanded an independent, full‑scale investigation, citing an alleged eight‑month cover‑up [5][9]. San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones called on Congress to open a probe, emphasizing the need for transparency after the delayed disclosure [2]. Governor Gavin Newsom’s office criticized the year‑long silence, urging accountability for DHS’s handling of the case [9][4]. Experts such as use‑of‑force scholar Geoffrey Alpert have questioned the tactical positioning of agents in front of a moving vehicle, echoing concerns raised in earlier federal shootings [7][8].

Eyewitness death fuels renewed calls for new investigation Orta’s fatal crash on February 24, 2026 removes the only person who could substantiate a narrative that Martinez was not a threat and that the agent’s use of force was unjustified [1]. Family attorneys and Rep. Joaquin Castro argue that the loss of this testimony necessitates a fresh, independent inquiry to address potential misconduct and the eight‑month information gap [1][5]. DHS has reiterated its original statement but has not provided additional evidence, while the Texas Rangers have not disclosed new findings since Orta’s death [1][3].