Mother of US Citizen Killed by ICE Demands Answers and Reform
Rachel Reyes, the mother of Ruben Ray Martinez, a 23-year-old American citizen fatally shot by a federal immigration agent last year, is calling for significant reforms in how immigration enforcement operates. Despite being a voter for President Donald Trump in 2024, Reyes emphasizes she does not hold him responsible for her son's death but insists on changes to address patterns of violence and impunity within the agency.
Details of the Fatal Incident in Texas
Martinez was killed by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent on South Padre Island, Texas, on March 15, 2025. The agency's involvement in the shooting was not publicly disclosed until last month, according to CBS News reports. Reyes has expressed frustration over the lack of transparency, stating she has not received any footage, evidence, or official reports related to the incident.
In an interview with CBS News on February 28, Reyes clarified her stance: "I don't blame President Trump for the death of my son, 'cause he wasn't the one who pulled the trigger. But I do think that something needs to be changed in that department as far as the pattern of violence or abuse and impunity." She described her son as non-violent and non-aggressive, challenging the Department of Homeland Security's claim that "defensive shots" were fired after Martinez "intentionally" ran over an agent with his car.
Conflicting Accounts and Legal Proceedings
The DHS statement appears to contradict an account from Joshua Orta, who was in Martinez's car during the shooting. In a draft declaration prepared by Martinez's lawyers and shared with CBS News, Orta asserted that Martinez "did not hit anyone." However, Orta was killed in a separate car crash in February before he could sign the document or testify, complicating the case.
An ICE spokesperson defended the agents' actions, stating that shots were fired to protect themselves and the public after an agent was run over, resulting in a knee injury. The spokesperson noted that all shootings are reviewed by law enforcement agencies, followed by an independent ICE review. Last month, a grand jury declined to bring criminal charges related to the incident, with the ICE spokesperson explaining, "This incident was investigated by the state authorities and presented to a grand jury who unanimously found no criminality."
Broader Context and Calls for Change
Martinez is believed to be the first known American citizen fatally shot by federal immigration agents during Trump's second term, as reported by The Washington Post. His death follows other high-profile incidents, such as the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis earlier this year, which sparked nationwide protests and renewed calls for reform.
The Texas Department of Public Safety, which is investigating the Martinez case, has completed its review and plans to release more information. Reyes remains steadfast in her quest for answers, saying, "I just want to know what happened, why they feel it was justified, and I honestly don't believe that. I'm not a mother in denial. I'm just a mother in doubt, because I know my son and I know he's not a threat." Her story highlights ongoing tensions between immigration enforcement practices and civil liberties in the United States.
