An investigation is underway after an incident in which officers from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) were involved in a fatal shooting in South Padre Island, Texas. According to documents released by government watchdog American Oversight, the shooting took place during a traffic incident last year.
Records show that officers assisting local police at the scene of a car crash encountered 23-year-old Ruben Ray Martinez on March 15, 2025.
Authorities say Martinez allegedly struck an agent with his vehicle after failing to follow traffic instructions. The agent suffered a knee injury and was treated at a hospital before being released. According to incident reports, another agent fired through the driver's side window after the vehicle accelerated. Martinez was taken to a hospital in Brownsville, where he later died.
When the situation occurred, local media reported the shooting, but the involvement of federal immigration officers was not publicly confirmed until this week, with the documents' release.
U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro (D) responded to the news on X, calling for a full investigation.
"An ICE agent shot and killed Ruben Ray Martinez, a US citizen and San Antonio resident, in March 2025. Then ICE and the Texas Department of PublicSafety covered it up," Castro wrote. "I am calling for a full investigation into this shooting, including why there was an 8-month cover-up."
An ICE agent shot and killed Ruben Ray Martinez, a US citizen and San Antonio resident, in March 2025. Then ICE and the Texas Department of Public Safety covered it up. He was 23 years old. I am calling for a full investigation into this shooting, including why there was an… https://t.co/ahtKSDtvz7
— Joaquin Castro (@JoaquinCastrotx) February 20, 2026
The alleged shooting occurred months before the shootings of U.S. Citizens Renee Good and Alex Pretti by ICE, both of which made national headlines, prompting protests and calls for a closer look into the conduct of ICE Agents.
Castro's statement and the newly released documents highlight broader concerns about transparency in law enforcement operations tied to immigration enforcement. Advocates and local officials have called for the public release of body camera footage and additional details surrounding the situation.
The case remains under investigation.
