Arizona Man Shot by Border Patrol Identified as Human Smuggler With Active Federal Warrant Amidst Increased Protests, Illegal Immigrant Arrests

A 34-year-old Arizona man suspected of involvement in a human smuggling operation was shot and wounded by a U.S. Border Patrol agent near Arivaca, Arizona, early Tuesday after he allegedly opened fire on law enforcement during a pursuit, authorities said. 

Federal agents attempted to stop a vehicle tied to a suspected human smuggling case near the U.S.–Mexico border when the vehicle fled, according to Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos. A Border Patrol agent later located the vehicle and attempted a second stop, as reported by ABC News, after which the driver ran on foot and fired at agents and at a Customs and Border Protection helicopter. 

The suspect has been identified as Patrick Gary Schlegel of Sahuarita, Arizona. Schlegel was struck by return fire from an agent and transported to a hospital, where he was in serious but stable condition following surgery. No federal agents were reported injured in the exchange. 

Law enforcement officials confirmed that Schlegel had an active federal arrest warrant at the time of the shooting, connected to a prior human smuggling sentence from which he had escaped custody in December. 

At a press briefing on Tuesday, FBI Phoenix Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke said Schlegel is expected to face additional federal charges, including assault on a federal officer, human smuggling, and unlawful firearm possession.  He noted the suspect has a “significant criminal history,” adding that this includes an active federal arrest warrant issued last year by the U.S. Marshal Service in connection with an “escape related to a previous federal alien smuggling conviction.”

The FBI and Pima County Sheriff held a press conference about the incident in Arivaca, Arizona. The suspect has been identified as
Patrick Gary Schlegel. Authorities say Schlegel has a significant criminal history.

While Schlegel was being pursued by a CBP agent, he shot at a… pic.twitter.com/6GtPJKKWPv

— Mountain Daily Star (@MtnDailyStar) January 28, 2026

In a statement released by the Department of Justice on Wednesday, U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona, Timothy Courchaine, said,

“There is no ambiguity here, shooting at any law enforcement officer—including federal agents—is a violent felony that attacks the rule of law and undermines universal American values. We will pursue every available charge to ensure the subject is held fully accountable under federal law. 

The quick and coordinated reaction to the threat posed by this subject from all levels of Arizona law enforcement was key and demonstrates why local and federal cooperation keeps communities safer.”

🚨BREAKING: Human trafficker just got federally charged after SHOOTING at a CBP helicopter in Arizona yesterday, then opening fire on the ground to MURDER Border Patrol Agents!

This savage tried to take out our heroes from the air and on foot. Pure evil. pic.twitter.com/SoF0BNGdQt

— Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) January 28, 2026

Investigation and Law Enforcement Response

The incident is under joint review by the FBI, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, consistent with standard protocol for federal use-of-force investigations. Authorities have described the agent’s response as lawful based on current information, adding that “any assault on law enforcement officers will not be tolerated.”

The violent incident comes just weeks after the Arizona Supreme Court building was evacuated due to a suspicious package discovered in the facility’s mailroom, which tested positive for homemade explosives. Anti-immigration enforcement protests have also sprung up throughout Arizona, increasingly in recent weeks, and at least one large-scale raid against 14 Zipps Sports Grill locations by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) generated controversy on Monday with the arrest of over 35 illegal immigrants. 

“ICE HSI Arizona led the execution of over a dozen criminal federal search warrants at multiple Zipps Grille restaurants, resulting in the arrest of more than 35 illegal aliens,” the Department said in a statement. “This ongoing investigation is focused on several federal law violations including unlawful employment of aliens, identity theft, and document fraud. HSI Arizona conducted the operation with several law enforcement partners to include the IRS-CI, ERO, US Marshals and Border Patrol.”

The Arivaca shooting occurred in a rural area known for frequent smuggling activity, and the FBI’s involvement underscores heightened federal attention to violent resistance encountered during border enforcement operations.