The attorney for a woman shot by federal agents in Chicago has claimed body-camera footage shows an officer taunting her before opening fire. Marimar Martinez, 30, was shot multiple times on Saturday in the Brighton Park neighbourhood during an immigration enforcement operation ordered by the Trump administration.
Federal agents allege Martinez was involved in a vehicle chase that ended with her ramming a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) vehicle. Prosecutors say she and another driver, Anthony Ian Santos Ruiz, 21, boxed in a government car carrying three agents. Both have been charged with forcibly assaulting, impeding, and interfering with a federal law enforcement officer.
During a detention hearing on Monday, Martinez’s lawyer, Christopher Parente, challenged the government’s account. He claimed body-camera footage captures an officer saying, “Do something, bitch,” before firing five shots. Parente stated Martinez sustained seven bullet wounds. The judge ordered Martinez and Ruiz released pending trial.
Assistant US attorney Sean Hennessy described the pair’s actions as “extremely dangerous and extremely reckless”. He said the footage shows agents shouting, “We’re getting boxed in!” before the collision. Hennessy also noted Martinez had a loaded gun in her purse, though she did not brandish it.
The Trump administration’s immigration crackdown in Chicago has sparked protests. Meanwhile, Texas national guard troops are heading to Illinois after a federal judge declined to block their deployment.
