Marine Veteran’s Emotional Father’s Day Reunion with Long-Lost Infant

Child on soldiers shoulders holding American flag.

Despite being shot by an illegal immigrant with a criminal record, a paralyzed Marine veteran found new hope when his 5-month-old daughter paid him a visit in the hospital on Father’s Day, bringing him a priceless Father’s Day gift. At the tearful reunion with his baby daughter, Jimmy Friesenhahn, who was shot three times while working as a security guard and is now unable to speak or move, demonstrated remarkable improvement, underscoring the devastating effects of America’s border crisis as well as the enduring strength of family ties.

Veteran Shot by Illegal Immigrant Finds Joy Amid Tragedy

Jimmy Friesenhahn, a United States Marine Corps veteran, has endured seven surgeries and remains paralyzed after being shot while working security at El Patio Sports Bar in San Antonio, Texas. The suspect, Wilmer Vladmir Ortega Ruiz, an illegal immigrant with a history of arrests, including a DWI in 2020, allegedly shot Friesenhahn three times, causing devastating injuries, including a ruptured esophagus, damaged vocal cords, and a spinal injury.

Despite facing life-altering injuries, Friesenhahn experienced a moment of pure joy when his baby daughter visited him for his first Father’s Day celebration. Family members report this special moment provided tremendous motivation for the paralyzed veteran, who has been suffering from ICU Delirium, but showed marked improvement during the visit.

Failed Immigration Policies Lead to Preventable Tragedy

The shooting that left Friesenhahn paralyzed represents yet another tragedy stemming from America’s border crisis and lax enforcement of immigration laws. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) placed a detainer on Ortega Ruiz following his arrest, highlighting the suspect’s illegal status in the country.

Emmanuel Martinez, Friesenhahn’s brother-in-law, expressed frustration with local officials, stating: “It’s ridiculous the way the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office, the DA, the Bexar County judges, the whole justice system here is not caring and letting this guy off time after time.” The Bexar County District Attorney’s Office has pursued aggravated assault charges against Ortega Ruiz, with bond set at $200,000, though Friesenhahn’s family believes attempted murder charges would be more appropriate.

Community Rallies Around Wounded Veteran

Martinez initiated a GoFundMe campaign to support Friesenhahn’s mounting medical expenses and long-term care needs. The Marine veteran’s sacrifice potentially saved many lives, according to Martinez, who noted: “Jimmy’s sacrifice saved people because there’s stories that the guy was going to go inside and do something in that place.”

“That’s attempted murder, that’s not aggravated assault,” said Evangelina Borjon, expressing the family’s dissatisfaction with the charges filed against Ortega Ruiz.

The heartwarming Father’s Day visit has become a bright spot in an otherwise tragic situation, showcasing the healing power of family bonds. While Friesenhahn faces a long road to recovery with uncertain prospects for regaining mobility or speech, the love of his infant daughter provides powerful motivation during this challenging time.

Sources:

https://www.aol.com/news/marine-vet-paralyzed-reportedly-being-180038263.html

https://www.newsbreak.com/new-york-post-509648/4055023607663-family-of-tragic-tot-whose-dad-allegedly-tossed-him-into-east-river-accuses-nypd-of-negligence-we-re-devastated

https://nypost.com/2025/06/16/us-news/marine-vet-left-paralyzed-and-mute-when-shot-by-illegal-migrant-gets-touching-visit-from-baby-on-first-fathers-day/

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