Archive · 29 Jan 2026
Man Shot in Border Patrol Incident
A man named Patrick Gary Schlegel was shot by Border Patrol agents near the US-Mexico border.
Authorities say Schlegel was involved in a human smuggling operation and shot at a Border Patrol helicopter and agents.
The agents returned fire, wounding Schlegel.
He was taken to a hospital and is recovering.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department is leading the investigation.
Schlegel has a criminal history, including previous charges related to human smuggling and firearms.
The incident is part of a broader context of Border Patrol shootings and recent immigration raids in Minnesota.
There are differing views on whether the use of force by the agents was justified and the need for a transparent investigation.
A 34-year-old man, Patrick Gary Schlegel, was shot by Border Patrol agents near Arivaca, Arizona, after he allegedly fired at a helicopter and agents.
Schlegel was involved in a human smuggling operation and has a criminal history, including previous charges for human smuggling and firearms.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department is leading the investigation into the shooting, which is standard when a federal agency is involved.
Schlegel was transported to a hospital and was recovering from surgery, with charges expected to include assault on a federal officer and human smuggling.
The incident comes amid recent immigration raids and shootings by immigration officers in Minnesota, with differing views on the use of force and the need for transparency in investigations.
- Who
- Patrick Gary Schlegel, US Border Patrol agents, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos, FBI special agent Heith Janke
- What
- A man involved in a human smuggling operation was shot in an exchange of gunfire with Border Patrol agents
- When
- Tuesday (unspecified date)
- Where
- Arivaca, Arizona, near the US-Mexico border
- Why
- The suspect fled and shot at a Border Patrol helicopter and at agents, leading to agents returning fire
Critics of Law Enforcement
Supporters of Law Enforcement
Use of Force
Critics of Law Enforcement
Critics argue that the use of force by Border Patrol agents was excessive and unnecessary, especially given the circumstances of the incident.
Supporters of Law Enforcement
Supporters believe that the agents acted lawfully and appropriately in response to the threat posed by the suspect.
Investigation Transparency
Critics of Law Enforcement
Critics demand a thorough and transparent investigation into the shooting to ensure accountability.
Supporters of Law Enforcement
Supporters trust the investigative process and believe that the agents will be held accountable if any wrongdoing is found.
- Incident
- Shooting involving Border Patrol agents near the US-Mexico border
- Date of Incident
- Tuesday (unspecified date)
- Location
- Arivaca, Arizona
- Suspect's Name
- Patrick Gary Schlegel
- Suspect's Age
- 34 years old
- Charges
- Assault on a federal officer, human smuggling, and being a felon in possession of a firearm
- Investigation
- Led by the Pima County Sheriff’s Department
- Border Patrol Shootings
- Eight incidents in the 12-month period through September 2025
Sources
"Can't Walk In With Guns": Trump On Minneapolis Shooting
Trump says ICE operations to 'de-escalate' in Minnesota after widespread outrage
Being a White House VIP thrusts Tim Cook into the political fray
US immigration agents may have 'breached protocol' before Minneapolis shooting, White House aide says
‘He’s got a gun!’ DHS’s initial probe reveals SHOCKING details about Alex Pretti shooting
Donald Trump says Alex Pretti ‘shouldn’t have carried gun’ amid Minneapolis shooting debate
‘He’s got a gun’: DHS report reveals two agents fired at Alex Pretti in Minneapolis
Man wounded after exchanging gunfire with Border Patrol agents near US-Mexico border
‘This is a time for deescalation’, says Apple CEO Tim Cook on ICE shootings in Minneapolis
Trump says he feels worse about Renee Good's death, because her parents were 'tremendous Trump fan'
Border Patrol agents who shot Alex Pretti in Minneapolis placed on administrative leave
