Sister of Man Shot by Border Patrol Defends Agents, Says He's 'No Victim'

The man allegedly had an extensive criminal record and was smuggling two illegal immigrants when the shooting occurred.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 7:31pm

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The sister of a 34-year-old man who was shot by Border Patrol agents near the U.S.-Mexico border has spoken out, saying her brother is "no victim" and that he is a "violent person" who has endangered many people through his actions. The man, Patrick Gary Schlegel, had an active warrant for human trafficking when he was stopped, and two men rushed out of his truck after he drove away. Schlegel eventually ran out of the truck and fired gunshots at a police helicopter pursuing him, leading to him being shot in the leg and head.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions and complexities surrounding border security, immigration enforcement, and the use of force by law enforcement. It also raises questions about the criminal history and actions of individuals who may be involved in human smuggling and trafficking across the border.

The details

According to authorities, Schlegel had an active federal arrest warrant issued in 2025 for escape related to a previous smuggling conviction. The two men who were in his truck allegedly told police that they had paid Schlegel to bring them across the border, with one claiming to have paid $8,000 and the other $14,000. Schlegel was charged with assault on a federal officer and is said to have a significant criminal history.

  • The shooting occurred around 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 30, 2026.
  • Schlegel's sister, Amber Schlegel, spoke to KOLD-TV about the incident on Wednesday, January 31, 2026.

The players

Patrick Gary Schlegel

A 34-year-old man who was shot by Border Patrol agents near the U.S.-Mexico border. He had an active warrant for human trafficking and an extensive criminal history.

Amber Schlegel

The sister of Patrick Gary Schlegel, who defended the Border Patrol agents' actions and said her brother is "no victim" and is a "violent person" who has endangered many people.

Heith Janke

The FBI special agent in charge in Phoenix, who provided details about Schlegel's criminal history and the active federal arrest warrant against him.

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What they’re saying

“To hear that he's back running illegals again didn't surprise me, but to hear that he actually fired at federal agents — that took me by surprise. He is no victim. He is a violent person. That's who he always has been.”

— Amber Schlegel, Sister of Patrick Gary Schlegel (KOLD-TV)

“Schlegel has a significant criminal history to include an active federal arrest warrant issued in 2025 by the U.S. Marshals Service for escape related to a previous smuggling conviction.”

— Heith Janke, FBI Special Agent in Charge, Phoenix (theblaze.com)

What’s next

Schlegel is expected to face charges related to the assault on a federal officer and his alleged involvement in human smuggling. The investigation into the shooting incident by Border Patrol agents is ongoing.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex and often dangerous nature of border security and immigration enforcement, where law enforcement must balance public safety concerns with the rights and protections of individuals. It also underscores the importance of addressing the underlying issues of human smuggling and trafficking that contribute to these types of confrontations.