Tucson, Arizona - A U.S. Border Patrol agent discharged his service issued firearm, striking an assaultive male subject at approximately 11:30 a.m. (MST) on Wednesday, Nov. 29, in a remote area of the Baboquivari Mountain Range west of Three Points, Arizona. The assaultive subject later died as a result of his wounds.

Two agents were following a group of suspected illegal aliens through a rugged and remote mountainous area in response to a sensor activation. Both agents encountered the group of men 21 miles north of the U.S./Mexico border.

One of the subjects attacked an agent attempting to arrest him and gained control of the agent’s weapon. The other agent shot the subject in response.

One agent suffered non-life threating injuries during the assault and was later transported to a Tucson hospital for treatment.

Agents arrested three other members of the group - all adult male Guatemalan nationals - for immigration violations.

The incident highlights the threat and dangers our agents face daily in protecting our borders and communities. I️ am proud of these men and women who keep us safe.

The lead investigative agency is the Tohono O’odham Nation Police Department jointly supported by the FBI, and CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility.