Witness Who Disputed ICE Account of Ruben Ray Martinez Shooting Dies in Car Accident

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by Edgar Sandoval

February 23, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

A key witness in the case of Ruben Ray Martinez's shooting by an ICE officer has died in a car accident. Joshua Orta, who was with Martinez when he was shot in March 2025, planned to provide testimony contradicting the government's account but passed away before doing so. His death leaves a critical gap in the investigation. Orta, who was Martinez's childhood friend, claimed that both men were complying with law enforcement commands at the time of the shooting. He stated that they were attempting to turn their car around when the situation escalated and Martinez was shot multiple times by the ICE officer. Orta’s written statement, obtained by The New York Times, was intended for legal proceedings but now remains incomplete. The death of Joshua Orta is a significant loss for the case, as his testimony could have provided valuable insights into the events leading up to Martinez's shooting. His account would have been crucial in challenging the official narrative and potentially influencing the outcome of any legal actions related to the incident. This incident highlights broader concerns about transparency and accountability in law enforcement. The lack of Orta’s testimony underscores the challenges faced by families seeking justice in cases involving federal officers. Advocates emphasize the importance of releasing all evidence and ensuring that witnesses can come forward without fear of reprisal. The case of Ruben Ray Martinez has drawn attention to the need for scrutiny into ICE's actions, particularly when interacting with individuals under their jurisdiction.

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/23/2026