Sole witness to fatal ICE shooting of Texas man in March 2025 passes away.

The fatal shooting of Ruben Ray Martinez by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in March 2025 is under renewed scrutiny following the death of the only civilian witness. Joshua Orta, who was with Martinez during the incident, passed away in a car crash, intensifying concerns about transparency in the investigation.

The fatal shooting of a Texas resident by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in March 2025 has come under renewed scrutiny following the death of the only civilian witness. The incident, which has drawn attention from government oversight organizations and lawmakers, was revealed through public records obtained months after it occurred. The witness’s recent death in a car crash has intensified concerns regarding transparency and accountability in the investigation.

Discovery of the Fatal Shooting

Government watchdog American Oversight uncovered the fatal shooting after submitting a public records request to ICE. The released documents included use-of-force reports confirming that a Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agent fatally shot a U.S. citizen in Texas. Neither the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) nor local authorities had previously publicly acknowledged the incident, with Texas officials describing it only as an "officer-involved" shooting. American Oversight emphasized the importance of disclosure, noting that such information should not require legal action to become public.

Victim and Investigation Details

The South Padre Island Police Department identified the deceased as Ruben Ray Martinez, 23 years old, who was shot on March 15, 2025. Local reports confirmed that South Padre Island officers did not discharge firearms during the incident. The Texas Rangers assumed responsibility for the investigation. This event represents the third fatality involving a DHS-affiliated agent in early 2025, following the January deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, both aged 37. DHS stated that the HSI agent acted to protect himself, other agents, and the public, while further questions were referred to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).

Political Reactions

Representative Joaquin Castro, D-Texas, accused ICE and Texas DPS of attempting to obscure the circumstances of the shooting. He cited video evidence that allegedly contradicts ICE’s account of the incident. Texas DPS confirmed that the Texas Rangers continue to investigate but declined to provide additional comment.

Death of Key Witness

Joshua Orta, 25, who was in the car with Martinez during the shooting, died in a high-speed car crash in south San Antonio. Police reported that Orta lost control of the vehicle, striking a utility pole and briefly trapping passengers inside before they escaped. Martinez family attorney Alex Stamm emphasized that Orta’s death removes a crucial eyewitness from the investigation. In a statement from September 2025, Orta had confirmed that Martinez was unarmed and nonviolent when shot, stating that Martinez "did not deserve to die."

Concerns Over ICE Use-of-Force

Records obtained by American Oversight indicate ICE was aware of rising use-of-force incidents as early as March 2025. The data revealed a 353% increase in use-of-force reports from January 19 to March 20, rising from 17 to 67 cases, and a 460% increase in assaults on ICE agents, from 5 to 28 cases. Executive Director Chioma Chukwu highlighted that these figures signal serious risks to bystanders and individuals in custody, including the death of a U.S. citizen during the administration’s early months.

Details from DHS Reports

According to DHS, the HSI agent was assisting South Padre Island Police with traffic control following an accident when a blue Ford vehicle allegedly ran over the agent, causing a knee injury. Both driver and passenger were U.S. citizens and appeared impaired. While the passenger was arrested by local police, no charges against Orta were confirmed in court documents.

Conflicting Witness Accounts

Orta’s account described a spring break trip to South Padre Island, where he and Martinez consumed alcohol, attended a pool party, and visited a local restaurant. He stated that Martinez did not intentionally hit an officer. Orta explained that when the car slowed to turn, an HSI agent fired into Martinez’s window from approximately two feet away, giving no warning or chance to comply. Martinez was shot in the chest and apologized to Orta before collapsing. Stamm emphasized that Orta’s testimony was essential for full public understanding and transparency.

Calls for Congressional Oversight

San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones requested a congressional investigation into the shooting, citing concerns about fairness and transparency. She argued that standard departmental reviews may not suffice due to the delayed disclosure and lack of transparency surrounding the incident, underlining the importance of federal oversight in the case.

Sources:

• The New York Times
• CNN
• The Washington Post
• ICE fatally shot a Texas man in March 2025. The lone witness just died.