federal agent shot dead american citizen during routine traffic stop in texas
South Padre Island, zondag, 22 februari 2026.
A U.S. citizen, Ruben Ray Martinez, was shot dead by a federal immigration agent during a traffic stop on South Padre Island, Texas, in March 2025. The incident, only recently confirmed by DHS, occurred while agents were assisting with traffic control after an accident. Authorities claim Martinez intentionally struck an agent, prompting defensive gunfire. His family disputes this account, calling for full transparency. For nearly a year, the federal role remained undisclosed, raising serious concerns about oversight and use of force in immigration operations. The case remains under active investigation by Texas Rangers.
shooting occurred during spring break traffic control
The incident took place on March 15, 2025, during a busy spring break period on South Padre Island, Texas [1]. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents were assisting local police with traffic control following a major accident [2]. Ruben Ray Martinez, a 23-year-old U.S. citizen from San Antonio, was driving a blue Ford sedan when the confrontation occurred [3]. Federal agents opened fire after claiming Martinez struck an agent with his vehicle [4]. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed the involvement of its personnel nearly a year after the event [5].
conflicting accounts of the fatal encounter
According to a DHS spokesperson, Martinez “intentionally ran over” an HSI agent, causing the agent to land on the vehicle’s hood [6]. In response, another agent fired defensive shots into the driver’s side window [7]. However, Martinez’s family and legal representatives dispute this version [8]. Attorneys Charles M. Stam and Alex Stamm argue Martinez was attempting to follow lawful instructions when he was shot [9]. His mother, Rachel Reyes, described him as nonviolent and expressed frustration over conflicting official narratives [10].
delays in disclosure fuel demands for accountability
For eleven months, federal authorities did not publicly acknowledge their role in the killing [11]. Records confirming HSI involvement were obtained through a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit filed by American Oversight [12]. The watchdog group criticized the prolonged secrecy, stating, “It shouldn’t take 11 months and a FOIA lawsuit to learn that the government killed someone” [13]. Lawmakers including Joaquin Castro and Greg Casar have demanded a full investigation into both the shooting and the delayed disclosure [14].
pattern of force raises broader concerns
The shooting of Martinez marks the first known case of a U.S. citizen killed during President Donald Trump’s renewed immigration enforcement push [15]. Internal data reveals a 400% increase in ICE use-of-force incidents shortly after the administration resumed power [16]. Victims such as Renee Good and Alex Pretti were also shot in controversial circumstances [17]. Chioma Chukwu, executive director of American Oversight, warned these incidents reflect systemic abuse [18]. Critics call for structural reform beyond isolated investigations [19].
investigation continues without resolution
The Texas Department of Public Safety’s Ranger Division leads the ongoing probe [20]. Officials confirm the case remains active as of February 22, 2026 [21]. Despite early promises, no findings have been submitted to a grand jury yet [22]. Questions persist about why federal immigration agents were deployed for routine traffic duties [23]. Legal experts note standard procedure discourages placing officers directly in front of moving vehicles [24]. The absence of timely updates intensifies public skepticism toward federal conduct [25].