Summary
A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent shot and killed Ruben Ray Martinez, a U.S. citizen, during a traffic incident in South Padre Island, Texas, in March 2025. The event was not publicly disclosed until nearly a year later, when records were obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request. The Texas Department of Public Safety Rangers are leading the investigation.
Key Facts
- Ruben Ray Martinez, a 23-year-old U.S. citizen, was shot by an ICE agent in March 2025.
- The incident happened during a late-night traffic situation in South Padre Island, Texas.
- ICE agents were assisting local police with traffic control after a car accident.
- The driver of the car Martinez was in accelerated and hit an ICE agent, leading another agent to shoot.
- Martinez died after being taken to a hospital; a second person in the car was taken into custody.
- The public learned about the ICE agent's involvement nearly a year later through released records.
- Martinez's family disputes the official account and seeks justice.
- The Texas Department of Public Safety Rangers are handling the main investigation.
