Feb. 23, 2026, 10:08 a.m. MT

Democratic frontrunner for Texas governor Gina Hinojosa is again taking aim at Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in Texas.

Hinojosa filed a Public Information Act and a legislative oversight inquiry on Friday, Feb. 20, for the release of body camera and dashcam footage related to the fatal shooting of San Antonio resident Ruben Ray Martinez on South Padre Island by federal immigration agents last March, according to a campaign news release

This demand to the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department comes following reporting that revealed the shooting was concealed from the public for over a year.

“A young man was shot and killed by an ICE agent in Texas, and it took investigative reporters and a FOIA request to find out about it a year later,” she said. “This is unacceptable. An American died at the hands of a federal agent and no one knew. This complete lack of accountability is a threat to all Americans and all Texans. This is now the third American citizen to be shot and killed by ICE.”

Hinojosa noted Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has the power to order state police to release the footage.

“I urge him to do so immediately to preserve the rule of law and ensure transparency and accountability for the people of Texas,” she said.

According to internal ICE documents uncovered through a FOIA request and reported by American Oversight, Martinez was shot on March 15 by an HSI supervisory special agent who fired multiple rounds through the driver’s side window of his vehicle during a traffic incident.

While local media reported his death at the time, federal involvement was never disclosed. DPS did not identify which agency was involved, and the South Padre Island city manager confirmed only that local officers did not fire their weapons.

More on the Abbott agenda for Texas Gina Hinojosa takes aim at Greg Abbott agenda in campaign stop

The Hinojosa campaign noted the case appears to be the first known fatal shooting of a U.S. citizen by a federal agent during the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown – predating the killing of Renee Good in Minneapolis by nearly ten months.

She further added ICE detention facilities, a central part of immigration crackdowns in the state, where the National Guard is deployed, are run by CoreCivic and GEO Group.

“These are private prison companies that have donated to Abbott’s campaigns. The Abbott administration created the special licensing category in 2015 that allows children to be detained in these facilities without meeting normal childcare standards – Texas is the only state in the nation where this is permitted,” she said.

Her campaign underscored that Texas holds more than 18,700 detainees – the highest share of any state.

Gov. Greg Abbott reminds Texans of Mexico travel warning

Gov. Greg Abbott urged Texans currently in Mexico, as well as those with family members or friends traveling there, to closely follow warnings from the U.S. Department of State amid ongoing security operations, related road blockages, and criminal activity across Mexico, stated a news release on Sunday, Feb. 22

Mexican drug lord Nemesio Oseguera, commonly known as “El Mencho,” was killed in a military operation, two government sources familiar with the operation told Reuters on Sunday, as the Mexican government ramps up pressure on local cartels after U.S. intervention threats.

The U.S. Department of State advises U.S. citizens in the following Mexican states to shelter in place until further notice: Baja California, Jalisco, Quintana Roo, and areas of Guanajuato, Guerrero, Michoacan, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas. Texans in need of immediate assistance or guidance can call the U.S. Department of State (from outside the U.S.: 1-202-501-4444; from the U.S.: 1-888-407-4747) or the Texas Fusion Center (1-844-927-0521).

“Texans’ safety is my top priority, whether they are here at home or traveling abroad,” Abbott said. “I urge all Texans in Mexico to follow the guidance of U.S. officials, stay alert, and ensure they are in contact with the U.S. Embassy or nearest U.S. Consulate. Situations on the ground can change quickly, and staying informed can save lives.”

Abbott has been briefed on the latest developments regarding ongoing violence and security concerns in Mexico. In response, the State of Texas is taking proactive steps to coordinate with federal partners to safeguard Texans abroad.

The Texas Department of Public Safety is actively coordinating with the U.S. Department of State and the Federal Bureau of Investigation to monitor the evolving security situation and share information to support the safety of American citizens.

Among tips for personal safety identified by the Office of the Governor are:

Register with the U.S. Embassy: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive real-time alerts and make it easier for the U.S. government to assist in an emergency.Maintain Contact with Family: Keep friends and family informed of your location and travel plans. Establish regular check-ins.Avoid High-Risk Areas: Do not travel to regions under active security alerts or where violence and unrest are occurring. Conditions can shift rapidly, even in popular destinations.Prepare for Emergencies: Keep copies of important documents, emergency contact numbers for the U.S. Embassy or nearest Consulate, and ensure you have a reliable means of communication.More on travel alerts in Mexico US issues alert amid Mexico chaos, FC Juárez Bravos game postponed

Kristian Jaime is the Top Story Reporter for the El Paso Times and is reachable at Kjaime@elpasotimes.com.