Summary
A Texas Democrat, Representative Joaquin Castro, is requesting the release of text messages and phone calls related to the shooting of Ruben Ray Martinez by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in South Padre Island. Castro wants transparency from federal and local agencies about the incident, which involved the shooting by an ICE agent. The Department of Homeland Security and Texas Rangers have completed investigations, but differing accounts of the event remain.
Key Facts
- Representative Joaquin Castro, a Democrat from Texas, is asking for text messages and phone calls related to a shooting involving an ICE agent.
- Ruben Ray Martinez, a 23-year-old, died in the incident on March 15, 2025, in South Padre Island, Texas.
- ICE claimed that Martinez tried to hit an agent with his car, leading the agent to shoot.
- An eyewitness, Joshua Orta, said Martinez was driving slowly and tried to follow police directions when he was shot.
- The incident was investigated by the FBI, the Office of Professional Responsibility, and the Texas Rangers.
- The Texas Rangers submitted their findings to the Cameron County District Attorney’s Office.
- A Texas grand jury chose not to indict the ICE agent involved.
- Castro is calling for the release of all communications and footage related to the event to ensure transparency.
