“It’s Another American!” Man Shot by Border Patrol Identified

US citizen shot

Gunfire involving federal agents

Federal investigation underway

The events that occurred along the Arizona–Mexico border once again place the US Border Patrol at the center of public debate.

This time, the man wounded by gunfire from federal agents was not a migrant, but a US citizen with a criminal record—reigniting questions about the use of force and enforcement operations in border regions.

A US citizen is shot, adding pressure to the national debate on federal use of force

BREAKING AZ: 34yo Patrick Gary Schlegel (Sahuarita) fired at CBP helicopter & Border Patrol agents near Arivaca today. Agents returned fire, hitting him—he’s in serious/stable condition post-surgery. FBI leading probe. No agents injured. #BorderPatrol pic.twitter.com/4uicsGmDBY

— 857Tucson (@857Tucson) January 28, 2026

Why does it matter?

The incident occurred just days after another deadly case involving agents from US Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

The close timing of both events has intensified the national discussion about how immigration authorities apply force—especially when the people involved are US citizens.

What happened?

Federal authorities identified Patrick Gary Schlegel, 34, as the man shot on Tuesday by CBP agents after a violent exchange of gunfire in southern Pima County, Arizona, a region that directly borders Mexico.

The incident occurred around 7:30 a.m. local time near the rural community of Arivaca, an area frequently patrolled due to its proximity to the border.

According to official information, Schlegel was initially detained during a traffic stop near the border but later fled on foot.

During the pursuit, authorities say he fired at a Border Patrol helicopter and at agents on the ground, prompting agents to return fire.

What authorities say

During a press conference, Heith Janke, the FBI special agent in charge in Phoenix, said the bureau assumed control of the investigation due to the seriousness of the confrontation and the use of firearms against federal officers.

Patrick Gary Schlegel was wounded in the exchange and transported to a hospital, where he underwent surgery.

Officials stated that he is currently in stable condition and recovering, while remaining in federal custody.

What charges could Patrick Gary Schlegel face?

Federal authorities said Schlegel is expected to face three felony charges:

Smuggling of migrants

Assault on a federal officer

Possession of a firearm

Officials also confirmed that Schlegel has a prior criminal record related to migrant smuggling, a crime for which he had already been convicted.

A shooting at a critical moment for Border Patrol

This incident occurred just four days after the death of Alex Pretti, who was fatally shot by CBP agents while recording a migration enforcement operation.

That case sparked nationwide controversy over Border Patrol use-of-force policies.

You may also like: Border Patrol Shoots a Person in Arizona

In that context, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos—who is overseeing the use-of-force investigation in the Pretti case—said authorities maintain close ties with the local community and sought to reassure residents.

“They have strong connections with the community, and neighbors can rest assured this was an isolated incident,” Nanos said.

What comes next

As the FBI investigation continues, the case of Patrick Gary Schlegel adds to a growing list of incidents keeping Border Patrol under intense public scrutiny—raising renewed questions about enforcement tactics in border areas, even when those involved are US citizens.

Source: EFE