By: Ashmar Mandou
Chilling testimony from Chicago resident Marimar Martinez, shot by federal agents during ‘Operation Midway Blitz’ last October appeared on Capitol Hill this week to detail her encounter Border Patrol agents.
“My life was nearly taken by my own government,” said Martinez. “I looked down and noticed blood gushing out of my arms and legs.” Last October, Martinez, in front of both Representatives and Senators, recanted the moments that led up to the violent encounter. Martinez stated that it began when she was heading to church top drop off clothing donations and noticed immigration officers on her street. “For the next 15 to 20 minutes, I followed these Border Patrol agents through my neighborhood, honking my horn, shouting out ‘La Migra,” she said. She stated the driver of the Border Patrol vehicle she was following made eye contact with her, swerved, and collided into her truck.
“I drove forward and went around the Border Patrol agent who jumped out of his car and pointed his gun at me. I moved to the far-left lane, striking the curb on the far-left side of Kedzie (Avenue). The next thing I knew, I felt a burning sensation in my arms and legs,” Martinez said. “As I continued trying to drive past the Border Patrol agents, I could hear my back passenger window shatter, and I felt bullets continue to pierce my body.” Martinez was shot five times. After treatment at two hospitals, she was released into federal custody. The Department of Homeland Security labelled her a “domestic terrorist” and charged her with using her vehicle to assault federal agents. However, the Department of Justice dropped all charges against her.
Martinez’s lawyers have asked a federal judge to authorize the release of the body camera footage and other evident from her shooting. Martinez hopes the videos help improve federal law enforcement use of force policies. “The physical scars will always be there in the mornings and evenings, when I get dressed and I stare at my body, now permanently disfigured by the five lead bullets,” Martinez said. “They will be there this summer when I head to the beach with my dogs and family. They will be there when I get down on the floor with my students.” She continued, “Perhaps even worse, the mental scars will always be there as a reminder of the time my own government attempted to execute me, and when they failed, they chose to vilify me.”
Illinois Democratic leaders were present, calling for comprehensive reforms and accountability. “That’s why we made it clear that this negotiation to change the standards for ICE is critical for us to continue this agency,” said Sen. Dick Durbin. The Trump administration agreed to share interviews with agents involved in the shooting as well as FBI reports and Martinez’s 911 call. It is uncertain when body camera footage from the shooting of Martinez could be released. A judge has yet to rule on her request, but a hearing has been set for Friday.
