Christopher Parente challenges DHS’s account
Attorney for Marimar Martinez
“They picked the wrong victim to mess with.”
Source and context
Reporting
About this source
WTTW report on released agent messages, surveillance photographs and body-camera material. It records the competing interpretation advanced by Martinez’s attorney, notes that Exum’s camera was not activated and quotes CBP’s statement that Exum was placed on administrative leave.
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)Before the quotation
At a news conference, Parente presented messages, surveillance images and body-camera material from the federal case.
After the quotation
He said the evidence contradicted claims that Martinez boxed in agents or drove directly at Exum.
How this statement is classified
Case context: Was Border Patrol Agent Charles Exum justified in shooting Marimar Martinez?
The label describes this statement’s response within the context above.
Why this label?
He contests the government’s characterization of Martinez and the factual basis offered to justify the shooting.
- Recorded on
- Published here
- People and groups discussed
- Charles Exum, U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Was Border Patrol Agent Charles Exum justified in shooting Marimar Martinez?
Explore the case context, sources and public responses.
More from this case
Read the full case“Whether it be the apartment raids in South Shore, the shooting of Marimar Martinez in Brighton Park, or the murder of Silverio Villegas González, it’s been proven that ICE does NOT keep us safe - they are designed to intimidate communities of color and deport as many people as possible.”Read statement
Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus
“The findings of the Illinois Accountability Commission are clear: a documented pattern of ICE, Border Patrol and federal agents making discriminatory arrests based on race and ethnicity, acting recklessly, endangering the lives of community members and retaliating against rapid responders and community members – not only in the case of Villegas González, but also in the shooting of Marimar Martinez.”Read statement
Illinois Accountability Commission
“Agent Charles Exum shot an unarmed civilian without apparent justification.”Read statement