Border Patrol Agent Shot by Suspected Smuggler

A Border Patrol agent was shot multiple times by a suspected human smuggler in New Mexico this week, according to authorities.

The incident unfolded at approximately 11:25 local time on Thursday near Lordsburg in Border Patrol's El Paso Sector.

An agent encountered a suspicious vehicle on Highway 146.

Subsequently, an occupant of the vehicle opened fire on the agent, striking him multiple times.

The agent returned fire as the driver attempted to flee.

"Ultimately, the fleeing vehicle was involved in a rolled over accident a few miles down the road and agents took six persons into custody," Customs and Border Protection (CBP) explained in a statement.

"Two occupants required additional medical attention and were flown to a trauma center in El Paso, Texas."

The agent who was shot was wearing body armor which prevented serious injury.

After a medical evaluation, the agent was released in good health.

The FBI and other bodies have opened investigations into the incident.

President Biden is scheduled to make an appearance in El Paso Sector on Sunday during his first visit to the U.S. southern border since taking office.

The near-tragedy comes amid a slew of recent deaths in the ranks of border agencies.

Last month, a Border Patrol agent died in an ATV crash while pursuing a group of illegal aliens in South Texas.

In November, a CBP Marine Interdiction agent was killed during a shootout with drug runners near Puerto Rico.

Also in November, at least three Border Patrol agents took their own lives in a span of three weeks.

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