By Trendsetter Tribune 
Newly unsealed evidence reveals that Gregory Bovino, the former Border Patrol chief who spearheaded the Trump administration’s nationwide immigration sweeps, sent messages of praise and encouragement to a federal agent just hours after the agent shot a Chicago woman five times in October 2025.
The evidence—including emails, texts, and body camera footage—was released on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, after U.S. District Judge Georgia Alexakis lifted a protective order. The documents provide a stark look at the internal culture surrounding the administration’s controversial “Operation Midway Blitz.”
The Shooting of Marimar Martinez
Marimar Martinez, a 30-year-old U.S. citizen and Montessori school assistant, was shot while in her vehicle during an immigration enforcement action in Chicago’s Brighton Park neighborhood.
- The Allegation: DHS initially labeled Martinez a “domestic terrorist,” claiming she used her car to ram federal agents.
- The Video Evidence: The criminal case against Martinez was abruptly dismissed after video footage showed a federal agent actually steering his vehicle into her car, contradicting the government’s narrative.
- The “Bragging” Texts: Agent Charles Exum, who did not have his body camera on, later texted colleagues boasting about his marksmanship. One text read: “I fired 5 rounds and she had 7 holes. Put that in your book boys.”
Bovino’s Internal Support
Despite the disputed circumstances of the shooting, Chief Bovino reached out to Exum hours after the incident to offer his full backing.
“In light of your excellent service in Chicago, you have much yet left to do!!” — Email from Gregory Bovino to Charles Exum, Oct. 4, 2025.
Exum later told a fellow agent that his superiors were being supportive “big time,” specifically mentioning Bovino, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, and “El Jefe himself” (President Trump).
The Downfall of Gregory Bovino
Bovino served as the high-profile architect of urban immigration crackdowns until his sudden departure in January 2026. His removal followed a series of scandals that eroded his standing even within the administration:
- The Minneapolis Shooting: Bovino was caught in a series of high-profile lies regarding the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a VA nurse in Minneapolis. Bovino claimed Pretti intended to “massacre” agents, but bystander video showed Pretti was peacefully recording the agents when he was killed.
- Judicial Rebukes: A federal judge in Chicago previously concluded Bovino lied about being struck by a rock to justify the use of tear gas against protesters.
- “Fascistic” Aesthetics: Bovino drew international criticism for his aggressive public persona, often appearing in tactical gear for “made-for-TV” raids, leading some media outlets to compare his style to historical authoritarian aesthetics.
Martinez’s Fight to Clear Her Name
Martinez testified before congressional Democrats last week, describing the trauma of being shot by her own government and then branded a terrorist. “I want the government to clear my name,” she said. Her attorneys are currently pursuing a complaint under the Federal Tort Claims Act, alleging the DHS spread “misinformation” to cover up an unjustified shooting.