Marine Veteran’s Family Slams DA After Shooting by Illegal Migrant in San Antonio

The family of Jimmy Friesenhahn, a 44-year-old Marine Corps veteran, is reeling after he was allegedly shot by Wilmer Vladimir Ruiz Ortega, a 29-year-old illegal migrant, at a San Antonio sports bar in early May. Friesenhahn, a father to a 5-month-old, was working as a security guard when he noticed a gun in Ortega’s pocket. A struggle followed, leaving Friesenhahn paralyzed with three gunshot wounds—two stopped by his bulletproof vest, one piercing his neck. He remains hospitalized, unable to speak, fighting for his life.

Family Outrage Over ‘Soft’ Justice
Relatives, including Friesenhahn’s brother-in-law Emmanuel Martinez and sister Becky Borjon, expressed frustration with Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales, accusing him of leniency. Ortega, charged with aggravated assault against a security officer and illegal entry, had reportedly been arrested multiple times since 2020 without an immigration hold until May 4, 2025. "It’s like illegal immigrants get released easier than citizens with a DUI," Martinez told reporters. Borjon went further, arguing the charge understates the crime: "Unloading a full clip isn’t assault—it’s attempted murder."

A Broader Debate Ignited
The shooting has fueled tensions over immigration enforcement and crime policies. Borjon criticized "open border" policies, saying they enable repeat offenders to harm legal residents. "Legal immigrants don’t come to cause trouble. Why do we keep releasing these criminals?" she asked. The family’s pain is compounded by Friesenhahn’s lifelong medical needs, with hopes pinned on advanced spinal cord treatments to restore some normalcy.

Official Response and Next Steps
The DA’s office insists it’s in close contact with the family and that Ortega remains in custody under an immigration hold. Meanwhile, Friesenhahn’s loved ones are focused on his recovery, exploring specialized care options. The case underscores a raw divide—between those demanding tougher enforcement and a system the family sees as failing a veteran who served his country.