Chicago Woman Sues U.S. Over Border Patrol Shooting

Marimar Martinez, a Chicago Montessori school aide, filed a federal lawsuit against the U.S. government over being shot by Border Patrol agent Charles Exum during Operation Midway Blitz in October 2025. The lawsuit alleges negligence, assault, false arrest and imprisonment, malicious prosecution, and emotional distress. Her attorneys say an independent forensic reconstruction indicates Martinez’s car was moving away from Exum when he fired, contradicting officials’ claim that she posed a threat; federal assault charges against her were later dropped. Her lawyers are urging federal and local authorities to bring criminal charges against Exum. DHS said Exum was placed on administrative leave, and DOJ declined to comment on the litigation.