DHS Account of Texas Shooting Faces Scrutiny After Video Release

A fatal shooting on South Padre Island in March 2025, involving a Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agent and U.S. Citizen Ruben Ray Martinez, is under renewed scrutiny following the release of video footage by the Texas Department of Public Safety. The footage appears to contradict the Department of Homeland Security’s initial account of the incident, raising questions about the justification for the shooting.

The Shooting and Initial DHS Account

Ruben Ray Martinez, 23, was shot and killed by an HSI agent on March 15, 2025, while assisting South Padre Island Police officers with traffic control after an unrelated accident. Initially, the Department of Homeland Security stated that Martinez “intentionally ran over” an HSI special agent, causing another agent to fire “defensive shots” to protect themselves and others AP News.

Video Evidence Challenges DHS Narrative

Videos released by the Texas Department of Public Safety cast doubt on this account. Footage shows Martinez’s vehicle slowly approaching an intersection and slowing to a crawl or possible stop as pedestrians crossed the street. Officers then yelled, “Stop him” and “Acquire him out,” before three shots were heard ABC News. The video appears to show Martinez’s brake lights were on when he was shot.

Conflicting Accounts and Witness Testimony

Attorneys for Martinez’s mother stated the video confirms the car was barely moving when he was shot, not accelerating and that no one was on the hood of the vehicle ABC News. Joshua Orta, a passenger in the vehicle, told investigators that an officer initially told them to proceed, but Martinez continued straight toward other officers, causing a panic. Orta stated Martinez did not intend to run over the agents ABC News.

Agent’s Perspective and Grand Jury Decision

The agent who fired the shots, identified as Jack Stevens, stated he smelled marijuana coming from the vehicle and observed behavior he interpreted as a “pre-attack indicator.” Stevens claimed he was struck by the vehicle and fired his weapon after observing the vehicle strike another agent ABC News. A grand jury ultimately rejected indictments in the case, finding no probable cause to pursue criminal charges AP News, Texas Tribune.

DHS Response and Toxicology Report

Despite the video evidence, DHS maintains its position, with acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Todd Lyons, stating the agency stands by the grand jury’s decision. A toxicology report revealed Martinez had a blood alcohol level of 0.12%, exceeding the legal limit ABC News. Lyons likewise pointed to a Texas Rangers investigative report that indicated Martinez was “rolling toward an officer’s location” ABC News.

Ongoing Questions and Family’s Plea

The shooting initially wasn’t publicly disclosed by DHS until reported by the Associated Press and other media outlets. Martinez’s family has expressed devastation and a desire for honesty and transparency surrounding his death AP News. Orta died in a car crash in February ABC News.