Family of Marine Veteran Criticizes District Attorney for Lenient Treatment of Alleged Shooter

Family of Marine Veteran Criticizes District Attorney for Lenient Treatment of Alleged Shooter

The family of a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, allegedly shot by an undocumented migrant in early May, is expressing frustration towards the Bexar County District Attorney. They accuse the DA of taking a lenient approach to crime, especially as the suspect was reportedly arrested and released multiple times without facing an immigration hold.

Emmanuel Martinez, the brother-in-law of the injured veteran, Jimmy Friesenhahn, stated, “It almost seems like these people that are illegal in this country are getting released easier than a normal citizen who would get a DUI or something else. It doesn’t make any sense to us.” Martinez elaborated that Friesenhahn, aged 44, remains hospitalized and is fighting for his recovery after being shot three times.

Friesenhahn’s sister, Becky Borjon, shared her perspective on the situation during an interview with America Reports. She emphasized their loved one’s struggle for survival, highlighting the family’s emotional turmoil.

Details of the Shooting Incident

Wilmer Vladimir Ruiz Ortega, aged 29, is the man accused of shooting Friesenhahn at the El Patio Sports Bar in San Antonio. According to police reports, Friesenhahn, who was working as a security guard, noticed a gun in Ortega’s possession. A physical altercation ensued, culminating in Friesenhahn sustaining gunshot wounds, including one to his neck, which has left him paralyzed and unable to speak.

Borjon described the incident as a failure of the justice system, stating, “I think it’s a great tragedy and a failure of our justice system. People who represent and allowed for our open borders – our last administration allowed open borders. Really soft on those crimes and criminals, and it’s just unfair and unjust to the citizens of America who are here legally.” She added her belief that legal immigrants do not intend to cause harm, contrasting them with undocumented migrants who repeatedly evade justice.

Charges Against the Alleged Shooter

Ortega faces charges of aggravated assault against a security officer and illegal entry into the country. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) placed a detainer on him on May 4, following his arrest. Despite being incarcerated in the Bexar County Jail at least three times since 2020, Ortega was never subjected to an immigration hold.

The Bexar County District Attorney’s office has brought aggravated assault charges against Ortega, a decision that Friesenhahn’s family regards as insufficient. Borjon remarked, “When you unload a full clip, the intent is not assault. The intent is murder.” She emphasized that the attack clearly exhibited an intention to harm, regardless of whether the target was her brother.

Response from the District Attorney’s Office

The District Attorney’s office has reached out to Friesenhahn’s family, assuring them of their commitment to keeping them informed as the case advances. In their official statement, they noted, “Since May 4, 2025, Mr. Ruiz Ortega has been in custody under an immigration hold. Our office has been in direct communication with the victim’s family, and we are committed to keeping them informed as the case progresses.” However, the family’s concerns about the severity of the charges remain unaddressed.

Family’s Focus on Recovery

While grappling with the ongoing legal issues surrounding Ortega, Friesenhahn’s family is primarily focused on his recovery. They are actively exploring options for specialized spinal cord injury centers that could provide the necessary care. Borjon stressed the importance of addressing her brother’s medical needs, stating, “At this point, this gunman set a life term on my brother. This is something he’s gonna have to deal with for life — extensive medical care. I just want to see what we can do with new technology that’s available and get him that care to see if we can have a more functional, more normalized state of life beyond what he has right now.”

Seeking Justice in the Face of Adversity

The family of Friesenhahn remains determined to seek justice for his suffering. They are navigating a complex mix of emotional pain and a desire for accountability in a system they believe has let them down. As they face this challenging journey, their focus remains on both supporting Friesenhahn’s recovery and advocating for a more rigorous application of justice when it comes to cases involving undocumented migrants. The incident has stirred broader conversations about immigration policy, law enforcement practices, and the need for a balanced approach to crime prevention.

As Friesenhahn battles for his life, questions linger about the responsibilities of law enforcement and the implications of immigration laws. The tragedy highlights the urgent need for comprehensive reforms that ensure both public safety and fairness in judicial processes. The family continues to raise their voices, hoping to spark the necessary changes to protect individuals like Friesenhahn and ensure accountability for those who commit serious crimes.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has not yet issued a comment regarding this case. Meanwhile, the family remains hopeful and resilient as they navigate these turbulent times.