A former US Marine Corps veteran from Texas is now paralysed and in critical condition after being shot by a migrant who had entered the country illegally and had a record of four previous arrests. The incident has sparked widespread anger and reignited debates over border security and failures in the justice system.
The victim, 44-year-old Jimmy Friesenhahn, served 14 years in the Marine Corps, including deployments to Iraq. He was working as a security guard at El Patio Sports Bar in San Antonio when he was allegedly shot by 29-year-old Wilmer Vladmir Ortega Ruiz. The attack happened in the early hours of Sunday, around 12:30 a.m.
According to Friesenhahn’s brother-in-law, Emmanuel Martinez, the veteran noticed Ortega Ruiz appearing to carry a concealed weapon. In an attempt to disarm him, a struggle broke out. During the fight, Friesenhahn was shot three times—once in the neck and twice in his bulletproof vest. The injuries left him with a severed spinal cord, a ruptured oesophagus, and damaged vocal cords. He has undergone six surgeries so far, but his condition remains dire, and he cannot speak.
Who is the suspect and what is his history?
The alleged shooter, Ortega Ruiz, is an undocumented migrant with a lengthy criminal history. He was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on May 4 after allegedly entering the U.S. illegally, according to The New York Post. His past includes four arrests in San Antonio, yet he remained free due to a series of plea deals and bond releases.
Court records reveal Ortega Ruiz was first arrested in October 2020 on charges of driving while intoxicated (DWI). He was released on personal recognisance but never showed up in court. The charge was later downgraded to “impeding a passageway.” Despite pleading guilty, he violated probation and was arrested again in August 2023.
In September 2023, Ortega Ruiz was arrested a third time but released on a $1,500 bond. Again, he failed to appear in court. He was arrested a fourth time in November 2024 and sentenced to time served after being in custody for just over three weeks.
Why are people angry?
Friesenhahn’s family is outraged, accusing San Antonio’s Democratic District Attorney of being lenient on Ortega Ruiz despite his repeated offenses. They believe tougher action should have been taken earlier, potentially preventing this tragedy.
“This never should have happened,” said a family member. “Someone with that many chances should not have been walking free.”
What does this mean for immigration and justice policies?
This case has once again brought the issues of immigration enforcement and judicial accountability to the forefront. Many are asking how someone with multiple offenses was allowed to remain in the country and walk the streets without supervision. Critics argue that lax enforcement not only endangers communities but also puts the lives of law-abiding citizens, like veterans, at risk.
As the investigation continues and Friesenhahn fights for his life, advocates are calling for more transparent immigration enforcement and stricter legal follow-through to ensure repeat offenders are not given endless chances.