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Suspected Human Smuggler Shot in Border Patrol Confrontation Near Arizona-Mexico Border
A 34-year-old Arizona man with a history of human smuggling offenses was shot Tuesday during a confrontation with U.S. Border Patrol agents near Arivaca, Arizona, approximately 10 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border.
Patrick Gary Schlegel allegedly fired at federal agents and a Border Patrol helicopter before agents returned fire, wounding him during an attempted apprehension, according to Heith Janke, special agent in charge of the FBI in Phoenix.
“Let me be clear, any assault on law enforcement officers will not be tolerated,” Janke stated during a press conference following the incident.
The confrontation began when Border Patrol agents attempted to conduct a traffic stop on Schlegel’s vehicle. After he fled on foot, agents pursued him, leading to the exchange of gunfire. Following the shooting, Schlegel was transported to a hospital where he underwent surgery. As of Tuesday evening, he was reported to be recovering.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos, who participated in the news conference, indicated that based on preliminary information, he believes the Border Patrol agent involved in the shooting “acted lawfully,” though he noted that “the investigation is still ongoing. There may be other things that show up.”
Schlegel was placed under federal custody and faces potential charges including assault on a federal officer, human smuggling, and being a felon in possession of a firearm, according to the FBI.
Court records reveal Schlegel’s extensive criminal history related to human smuggling operations. In December, a warrant was issued for his escape after he failed to return to a Tucson incarceration facility following a counseling session. This escape stemmed from a previous human smuggling and firearms conviction.
In 2023, Schlegel faced charges for transporting undocumented immigrants for financial gain after authorities said he loaded more than a dozen people into a truck near the border, concealing them under a tarp. During that incident, court records indicate agents pursued his vehicle until he crashed and fled on foot. He allegedly threw rocks at a government helicopter before being apprehended, and two pistols were discovered in his truck.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department announced it would lead the use-of-force investigation at the FBI’s request, noting that such investigations are standard procedure when federal agencies are involved in shootings within the county. Sheriff Nanos mentioned that video of the incident exists, though he was unsure of its origin.
Notably, Sheriff Nanos, a Democrat, has previously stated his department would not enforce federal immigration law amid increased federal immigration enforcement efforts, preferring to focus his limited resources on local crime and other public safety concerns.
The area where the shooting occurred, Arivaca, is a small community of approximately 500 residents located in a region frequently patrolled by Border Patrol agents due to its common use as a corridor for both drug smuggling and unauthorized border crossings.
Statistics show Border Patrol agents discharged weapons in eight incidents during the 12-month period through September 2025, compared to 14 times in the previous year and 13 times the year before that.
This incident comes amid heightened scrutiny of immigration enforcement operations nationwide. Earlier this month, three shootings—two of them fatal—involved immigration officers during Department of Homeland Security enforcement operations in Minnesota. Unlike those urban incidents, which were captured on multiple civilian videos, Tuesday’s shooting occurred in a remote desert area with minimal video documentation.
The Department of Homeland Security issued a statement Tuesday evening indicating more information would be provided as it becomes available, while the multi-agency investigation continues to determine the full circumstances surrounding the confrontation.
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14 Comments
Troubling to hear about this exchange of gunfire near the border. While the details are still unclear, it’s good the suspect is recovering. Enforcing border security is dangerous work, and these agents deserve our support.
Absolutely. Maintaining border security is critical, but these situations can escalate quickly. Glad the agent was able to respond appropriately to the threat.
While the details are still emerging, it’s clear this was a very tense and volatile situation near the border. Suspected human smugglers firing on Border Patrol agents is extremely concerning. Glad the agent was able to respond appropriately to stop the threat, though it’s unfortunate someone was wounded.
Absolutely. These border agents put their lives on the line to protect the country. Maintaining security and preventing human trafficking is vital, but these confrontations underscore the risks they face.
While the details are still emerging, it’s clear this was a tense and dangerous situation. Human smuggling is a serious crime that puts lives at risk. I hope the investigation provides more clarity on what exactly happened.
Agreed. The safety of law enforcement and the public has to be the top priority in these border enforcement operations.
Concerning to hear about this confrontation near the border. Suspected human smugglers firing on agents is extremely serious. Glad the agent was able to respond and the suspect is recovering, though it’s unfortunate someone was wounded. These are the risks border agents face.
Yes, these situations can escalate quickly. The agent showed professionalism in dealing with a dangerous threat. Enforcing border security is critical but extremely hazardous work.
Concerning incident near the border. Seems the suspected human smuggler initiated the confrontation by firing on agents. Glad the Border Patrol agent was able to respond and the suspect is recovering. Tough job they have, having to deal with dangerous situations like this.
Yes, these border agents have a very difficult and risky job. I’m glad no one was seriously injured.
Any violence directed at law enforcement is extremely concerning. While the specifics are still emerging, it seems the Border Patrol agent acted properly to stop a dangerous suspect. These agents put their lives on the line to protect the border.
Agreed. Attacks on law enforcement are unacceptable. The agent showed restraint in responding to the threat and was able to apprehend the suspect.
Suspected human smugglers firing on Border Patrol is extremely concerning. Glad the agent was able to respond and stop the threat, though it’s unfortunate someone was wounded. These agents put their lives on the line to protect the border.
These border confrontations underscore the risks and challenges faced by law enforcement near the US-Mexico border. Responsible gun ownership and respect for the law is critical.