Key Highlights
- A person was shot in an incident involving U.S. Border Patrol in southern Pima County, Arizona.
- The individual is receiving critical care at a regional trauma center after being transported by the Santa Rita Fire District.
- No information on whether anyone from law enforcement was injured during the incident.
- This shooting comes three days after another fatal incident involving Border Patrol and weeks after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer shot and killed Renee Good.
Incident Details
A person in critical condition following a shooting incident involving U.S. Border Patrol has been reported in Arizona, according to a spokesperson from the Pima County Sheriff’s Department. The incident occurred on Tuesday near milepost 15 of West Arivaca Road in southern Pima County.
The Santa Rita Fire District transported the individual to a regional trauma center for rapid care. Details surrounding the circumstances leading up to the shooting have not been immediately clear as of press time.
Investigation and Context
The incident is currently under active investigation by local law enforcement agencies, with assistance from both the Pima County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI. The Department of Homeland Security did not provide immediate comment in response to a request for information.
Crews from the Santa Rita Fire District and American Medical Response provided on-site medical care to the injured individual. “Patient care was transferred to a local medical helicopter for rapid transport to a regional trauma center,” stated the fire department.
Broader Context of Border Patrol Incidents
This shooting incident adds to recent tensions surrounding border security and immigration enforcement in the United States. Just three days prior, a fatal shooting by Border Patrol was reported in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Additionally, weeks ago, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer shot and killed Renee Good.
The killings of Pretti and Good have triggered citywide protests, with House Democrats Hakeem Jeffries, Katherine Clark, and Pete Aguilar issuing a statement accusing the Trump administration of using taxpayer dollars “to kill American citizens.” They also threatened to begin impeachment proceedings against Secretary Kristi Noem in the House of Representatives if she does not step down from her position.
President Donald Trump defended Border Patrol actions, stating that “No” regarding Noem’s resignation and noting positive meetings with local officials in Minnesota. He added, “He’s with the governor and with the mayor, and I hear things are going very nicely.”
The Department of Homeland Security has reported 12 shootings involving federal immigration officers since September as part of increased deportation operations across the country.
