US Border Patrol agent kills suspected cartel smuggler after 'struggle' near Texas riverbank
Agent and suspected cartel smuggler were 'involved in a struggle prior to the shooting,' according to the Starr County Sheriff's Office
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A U.S. Border Patrol agent shot and killed a suspected cartel smuggler on Thursday after he came across the Rio Grande in Starr County, Texas, Fox News has confirmed.
The suspected smuggler assaulted the agent, who fired his weapon in self-defense, killing the man, three border law enforcement sources told Fox News.
The agent is "okay," according to those sources.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}ICE OFFICER SHOOTS ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT DURING PHOENIX TRAFFIC STOP GONE WRONG, BOTH HOSPITALIZED
A U.S. Border Patrol agent is alive after shooting and killing a suspected cartel smuggler during a "struggle" at the border, according to Texas law enforcement. (REUTERS/Mike Blake)
The Texas Department of Public Safety confirmed the officer-involved shooting on X, adding that the suspect was pronounced dead at Starr County Memorial Hospital.
The Starr County Sheriff’s Office said Border Patrol agents were "involved in a struggle prior to the shooting," which was confirmed at about 5:30 p.m. local time.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}U.S. Border Patrol was involved in an officer-involved shooting Thursday in Midway, Texas. (Kirsten Luce for The Washington Post via Getty Images)
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The sheriff's office asked the public to avoid the area as first responders clear and secure the scene.
It is unclear what led to the encounter or the subsequent shooting. (Herika Martinez/AFP via Getty Images)
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection did not immediately respond to inquiries from Fox News Digital.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.