Homeland Security Investigations Agent Fatally Shoots San Antonio Man Ruben Ray Martinez on South Padre Island; Rep. Castro Demands Accountability

Details Emerge in Fatal HSI Shooting

New reports have brought to light the fatal shooting of Ruben Ray Martinez, a 23-year-old San Antonio man, by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents on March 15, 2025. The incident took place on South Padre Island, Texas, and was not publicly confirmed by federal or state authorities for nearly a year, sparking calls for accountability from U.S. Representative Joaquin Castro.

Circumstances of the Incident

According to internal documents obtained by the nonprofit American Oversight through a Freedom of Information Act request, HSI special agents were assisting the South Padre Island Police Department with traffic control following a major accident. Reports indicate that Martinez, who was a U.S. citizen, failed to follow detour instructions and stopped his vehicle. Agents then surrounded the vehicle and ordered him to exit. Martinez allegedly drove forward, striking an agent who ended up on the hood of the vehicle. In response, another special agent discharged 'multiple rounds' at Martinez through the open driver's side window. The agent who was struck sustained a knee injury and was later released from the hospital.

Delayed Disclosure and Calls for Transparency

The involvement of federal immigration agents in Martinez's death was not disclosed in initial public reports, with the information only coming to light nearly a year after the incident. This lack of transparency has drawn strong criticism, particularly from U.S. Representative Joaquin Castro (D-San Antonio). Castro stated that the delay in disclosure 'look like it was an organized cover-up of the shooting' and announced his intention to reach out to Martinez's family to offer support. He has also requested a U.S. Department of Justice inquiry into the shooting and urged congressional committees to investigate. Martinez's mother, Rachel Reyes, expressed her family's struggle with 'the silence surrounding his killing' and hopes that the renewed attention will bring justice.

Ongoing Investigation

The shooting is currently under investigation by the Texas Rangers. A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed the shooting and stated that the agent fired 'defensive shots to protect himself, his fellow agents, and the general public.' However, the department has not publicly identified whether the bullets were the cause of Martinez's death. The incident highlights ongoing debates surrounding the use of force by federal agents and the need for timely and comprehensive public disclosure of such events.