A Marine Corps veteran’s life hangs in the balance after being shot by an illegal immigrant who had been arrested and released multiple times, raising serious questions about the failure of our immigration enforcement system.
At a Glance
- Jimmy Friesenhahn, a Marine veteran working as a security guard, was shot and paralyzed outside a San Antonio bar on May 4
- The shooter, Wilmer Vladimir Ortega Ruiz, is an illegal immigrant who had been arrested and released four times previously
- Friesenhahn suffered complete spinal injury, a ruptured esophagus, and severe vocal cord damage
- ICE has placed a detainer on Ortega Ruiz, who entered the U.S. illegally as a “gotaway”
- The case has ignited national debate on immigration policies and enforcement failures
Marine Veteran Left Paralyzed After Shooting
Jimmy Friesenhahn, a dedicated Marine Corps veteran, faces an uncertain future after being critically injured while performing his duties as a security officer at El Patio Sports Bar in San Antonio on May 4. The incident occurred when Friesenhahn confronted 29-year-old Wilmer Vladimir Ortega Ruiz, who was carrying a firearm and refused to surrender it. The confrontation escalated into a physical altercation, resulting in Friesenhahn being shot three times—twice in the chest where his bulletproof vest protected him, and once in the neck with devastating consequences.
The neck wound caused catastrophic damage to Friesenhahn’s body, including a complete spinal injury that has left him paralyzed. Additionally, he suffered a ruptured esophagus and severe damage to his vocal cords. These life-altering injuries have thrust the veteran into a fight for recovery while his family grapples with the reality that their loved one’s life has been forever changed by someone who should never have been in the country to begin with.
Repeated Failures of the Immigration System
The shooter’s history reveals a pattern of lawlessness enabled by systematic failures in immigration enforcement. Ortega Ruiz first entered the criminal justice system in October 2020 when he was arrested for driving while intoxicated. Despite being in the country illegally, he was released on a personal recognizance bond. This release marked the beginning of a troubling cycle where Ortega Ruiz would be arrested, released, and then fail to comply with court orders or probation requirements.
Over the course of four years, Ortega Ruiz was arrested and released four separate times. Each release represented another opportunity for authorities to detain and deport him, and each time, the system failed to protect the public. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has now placed a detainer on Ortega Ruiz, identifying him as having entered the United States illegally as a “gotaway” – someone who crossed the border without being apprehended.
Political Controversy Surrounds Case
The shooting has ignited political controversy, with Friesenhahn’s family directly accusing Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales of political motivations in his handling of the case. They argue that more decisive action should have been taken against Ortega Ruiz during his previous encounters with law enforcement. The case highlights the real-world consequences of lax immigration enforcement policies and has become a focal point in the national debate on border security.
Currently, Ortega Ruiz remains in custody facing charges of aggravated assault, with bond set at $200,000. Critics argue that these charges are insufficient given the severity of Friesenhahn’s injuries and Ortega Ruiz’s status as an illegal immigrant with a history of arrests. The investigation continues as Friesenhahn fights for his life and adapts to the reality of paralysis—a fight made all the more tragic by the preventable nature of the incident.
A Call for Accountability
The shooting of Jimmy Friesenhahn represents more than just an isolated tragedy—it embodies the real human cost of failed immigration policies. Had existing laws been properly enforced, Ortega Ruiz would have been deported after his first encounter with law enforcement, and Friesenhahn would still be living his life without the burden of paralysis. Instead, a Marine who served his country honorably now faces an uncertain future while taxpayers bear the cost of both his medical care and the incarceration of his attacker.
As this case unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of border security and proper enforcement of immigration laws. The system failed repeatedly to protect the public from an individual who demonstrated consistent disregard for the law, resulting in life-altering consequences for a veteran who had already sacrificed for his country. For many Americans, especially those in border states like Texas, this case represents not just a tragedy but a call for meaningful reform and accountability in our immigration system.
