More than a year has passed since San Antonio native Ruben Ray Martinez was shot and killed by a federal immigration agent on South Padre Island in March 2025. More than a year later, his family’s still looking for answers.
The case returned to the spotlight this month after recent reporting by the Texas Tribune and El Paso Times, among other outlets, examined deaths connected to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in Texas. At least 14 people have died in ICE custody in the state since 2025, alongside several fatal encounters involving immigration agents.
Martinez’s death is one of those cases.
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What Happened on South Padre Island
According to the Texas Tribune, Martinez traveled to South Padre Island in March 2025 with his childhood best friend, Joshua Orta, to celebrate a belated birthday…