A shooting involving U.S. Border Patrol occurred early Tuesday morning in southern Pima County, Arizona, leaving one person in critical condition. The incident took place near milepost 15 on West Arivaca Road at approximately 7:30 a.m., according to the Santa Rita Fire District.
Emergency crews from the Santa Rita Fire District and American Medical Response provided immediate medical care at the scene. The injured individual was then airlifted by a local medical helicopter to a regional trauma center for urgent treatment.
The identity of the person shot has not been released, and the circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear. Law enforcement agencies have not reported any injuries to officers during the event.
Authorities are actively investigating the case, with the Pima County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI assisting in the inquiry. Both the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI have so far declined to comment on the shooting.
This latest incident follows a recent pattern of use-of-force cases involving federal immigration officers. Since September, federal agents have been involved in shootings of 12 individuals nationwide amid increased deportation enforcement operations.
Notably, the shooting in Arizona comes just days after the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by Border Patrol in Minneapolis. Additionally, Immigration and Customs Enforcement recently shot and killed Renee Good, triggering widespread protests and criticism directed at the Department of Homeland Security.
In response to these incidents, several House Democrats accused the Trump administration of misusing taxpayer funds to harm American citizens. They called for the dismissal of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and threatened impeachment proceedings should she remain in office.
President Donald Trump dismissed calls for Noem’s resignation, stating she will not step down. He also mentioned that border czar Tom Homan is currently in Minnesota meeting with local officials regarding security issues, with reports indicating these discussions are proceeding smoothly.
The ongoing investigation into the Arizona shooting underscores the continuing scrutiny of law enforcement practices at the U.S. borders and the broader national debate over immigration enforcement strategies and use of force.
Read more at: www.nbcnews.com
