A man involved in a human smuggling operation, identified as 34-year-old Patrick Gary Schlegel from Arizona, was shot during an encounter with U.S. Border Patrol agents near Arivaca, Arizona. This incident occurred on a Tuesday when federal agents attempted to apprehend Schlegel during a traffic stop. However, he fled the scene and reportedly fired at a Border Patrol helicopter in addition to shooting at agents. In response to the gunfire, Border Patrol agents returned fire, hitting Schlegel and inflicting injuries that required surgery. He is currently recovering in a hospital.
Heith Janke, the special agent in charge of the FBI in Phoenix, confirmed that Schlegel had been hospitalized and indicated he would be facing serious charges, including assault on a federal officer, human smuggling, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Pima County Sheriff, Chris Nanos, stated during a press conference that he believes the actions of the Border Patrol agent involved were lawful based on initial information, underscoring that the investigation remains active and further details may emerge.
Before this shooting incident, Border Patrol agents had previously attempted to stop Schlegel's vehicle, which fled the scene. Notably, a Border Patrol agent later spotted the same vehicle and attempted another stop; however, Schlegel fled on foot, leading to the exchange of gunfire with federal agents. Schlegel is now in federal custody and is expected to be charged shortly.
Janke made a strong statement regarding assaults against law enforcement, asserting that such actions would not be tolerated. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security indicated their commitment to providing additional information as the situation evolves. Schlegel's criminal history reveals a December warrant for escape tied to previous human smuggling and firearms convictions. In December 2023, he had reportedly signed out of a correctional facility in Tucson for a counseling session but failed to return.
In addition to the December incident, Schlegel faced charges in 2022 for transporting undocumented individuals in Arizona. He allegedly concealed over a dozen people in his truck under a tarp before attempting to flee from authorities, ultimately crashing the vehicle and throwing rocks at a government helicopter before being apprehended. Two firearms were discovered in the truck at that time, illustrating a pattern of behavior involving illegal activity and firearms.
Following the recent shooting incident, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department has been requested by the FBI to lead a use-of-force investigation regarding the Border Patrol's actions. This request aligns with standard procedures when a shooting involves a federal agency. Sheriff Nanos pointed out that this collaboration stemmed from established relationships aimed at promoting transparency in law enforcement operations in the southern border region.
Sheriff Nanos, a Democrat, has historically stated that his department would not enforce federal immigration laws amid heightened scrutiny from federal authorities. Emphasizing a local focus, he asserted the priority of addressing community crime and public safety concerns over immigration enforcement. The sheriff mentioned that video footage exists from the incident, though it remains uncertain whether it is police body camera footage or from another source.
Arivaca, a small community situated approximately 10 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border, is frequently patrolled by Border Patrol agents due to its status as a common route for drug smugglers and undocumented migrants. Recent statistics reveal that Border Patrol agents discharged their weapons in eight incidents over the past year ending in September 2025—a significant increase compared to previous years. This shooting incident comes amid heightened tensions around immigration enforcement operations that have recently seen multiple confrontational incidents, including fatal shootings in Minnesota.
