US Border Patrol involved in shooting in Arizona, Pima County sheriff says
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The shooting happened about 15km from the US-Mexico border, in a busy crossing area for migrants that is also the site of past tension between migrant advocates and US Border Patrol.
- US Border Patrol was involved in a shooting in Arivaca, Arizona. The incident is under investigation by the FBI and Customs and Border Protection.
- The shooting follows the death of Alex Pretti, shot by immigration agents in Minnesota, sparking anger over aggressive federal tactics.
- Public support for President Trump's immigration enforcement is waning, putting Republicans on the defensive ahead of midterm elections.
AI generated
WASHINGTON - The US Border Patrol was involved in a shooting in Arizona on Jan 27, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said in a statement, adding that his office was working with the FBI and Customs and Border Protection to look into the incident.
The Santa Rita Fire District said one person was in critical condition. CNN, citing a federal law enforcement source, reported the wounded person was a suspect who had exchanged gunfire with Border Patrol agents and fired at a federal helicopter during a pursuit near the border.
The FBI said it was investigating an alleged assault on a federal officer near the town of Arivaca in Arizona and that a subject was taken into custody, adding that the investigation remains ongoing.
The incident comes amid growing anger over the aggressive tactics of the federal agents as President Donald Trump has pursued a hardline immigration agenda since taking office in 2025.
NBC News earlier reported, citing the fire department, that a person was transported in critical condition. The Santa Rita Fire District and American Medical Response provided medical care to the individual on the scene, NBC News reported.
The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Arivaca, the community about 15km from the US-Mexico border where Sheriff Nanos said the incident took place, is a busy crossing area for migrants and is also the site of past tension between migrant advocates and Border Patrol.
Mr Nanos said the FBI requested assistance in the investigation of the shooting, adding that the Pima County Sheriff’s Department Criminal Investigation Division would conduct a parallel investigation and had been asked to lead the use-of-force investigation involving the Border Patrol agent.
“We ask the community to remain patient and understanding as this investigation moves forward. PCSD will thoroughly examine all aspects of the incident, however, these investigations are complex and require time,” he said.
The incident comes after the killing of 37-year-old Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse
Coupled with the fatal shooting of Renee Good, also 37, earlier this month
Mr Trump won the 2024 presidential election after promising a historic surge in deportations and has pursued a hardline immigration agenda since taking office in 2025.
Masked immigration officers, often in tactical military-style gear, have become a common sight across the country and protests against the crackdown have erupted in several cities, including Minneapolis, where immigration agents have responded with deadly force.
Public support for Mr Trump's immigration enforcement tactics appeared to be waning both before and after the Pretti shooting, a Reuters/Ipsos poll showed.
The issue has put Republicans on the defensive ahead of November’s midterm elections, when the party's narrow congressional majorities are at stake. REUTERS
