Overview
- Federal prosecutors released body‑camera video, texts, emails and photos after a judge lifted a protective order, capturing agents saying "it's time to get aggressive" before driver Charles Exum turned left into Marimar Martinez’s car.
- Footage and forensic images contradict DHS claims that Martinez rammed agents, with bullet paths indicating shots entered from the passenger side and rear as she drove away.
- CBP confirmed Exum is on administrative leave, while internal messages show him boasting "I fired 5 rounds and she had 7 holes" and colleagues responding with praise.
- An email from senior Border Patrol official Gregory Bovino hours after the shooting lauded Exum’s "excellent service" and suggested delaying retirement, and texts show Exum citing support from top DHS leaders.
- Prosecutors dropped charges against Martinez in November; she has filed administrative claims and is pursuing a federal lawsuit seeking tens of millions of dollars as federal investigations continue.