San Antonio Man Killed by Homeland Security Agent on South Padre Island: New Details Emerge

San Antonio Man’s Death After Encounter with Homeland Security Agents Sparks Investigation

SAN ANTONIO – New details are emerging surrounding the death of 23-year-old Ruben Ray Martinez of San Antonio, who was fatally shot last year following an encounter with Homeland Security special agents on South Padre Island. The shooting, which occurred on March 15, 2025, was not initially publicly explained by authorities, raising questions about transparency and accountability.

According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, Martinez died at a hospital after the shooting. However, details surrounding the circumstances of his death and who fired the fatal shots remained undisclosed for nearly a year. Internal documents obtained by the nonpartisan government transparency organization American Oversight reveal that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was aware an HSI special agent shot Martinez as early as March 17, 2025.

A Significant Incident Report obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request details the events leading to the shooting. The report states that HSI investigators were assisting the South Padre Island Police Department with traffic control following a “major accident.” Just after midnight, agents were redirecting traffic when Martinez reportedly failed to follow detour instructions.

Martinez stopped his vehicle as instructed by the agents, at which point they surrounded the car and ordered him to exit. According to the report, instead of complying, Martinez accelerated forward, striking a Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agent who then ended up on the hood of the vehicle. The agent sustained a knee injury and was hospitalized.

Following the incident, another HSI special agent discharged “multiple rounds” at Martinez through the driver’s side window. The report describes Martinez as being “hit by the discharged rounds.” Medical personnel on the scene, including HSI agents and paramedics, provided aid before transporting Martinez to a hospital in Brownsville, where he was pronounced dead.

Both Martinez and his passenger were U.S. Citizens, according to the report.

The DHS, in a statement, said the agent who opened fire did so “to protect himself, his fellow agents, and the general public.” However, the department has not publicly confirmed whether the bullets struck Martinez or directly caused his death.

The Texas Rangers are currently leading the investigation, but have not released further information, citing an ongoing probe.

The lack of public information regarding the shooting has drawn criticism from U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-San Antonio. Speaking on Friday, Castro accused ICE and the Texas Department of Public Safety of “an organized cover-up of the shooting.” He stated he would reach out to Martinez’s family to offer support and request investigations from the Department of Justice and congressional committees.

The shooting of Ruben Ray Martinez is one of numerous reported uses of force by Homeland Security agents during the early months of Donald Trump’s second term. Records indicate 67 such incidents occurred within the first two months, according to emails obtained in the records request and first reported by POLITICO.