January 5th, 2023 - Louisberg, New Mexico

Published January 5th, 2023

A United States Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) Agent was shot multiple times Thursday morning. At approximately 11:25 a.m., CBP agents were at a border crossing station on Highway 146 near Lordsburg, New Mexico, when a man attempting to smuggle people through the checkpoint station opened fire. One of the CBP agents was shot multiple times in the chest, but the rounds were stopped by their ballistic-resistant vest. The agent returned fire as the suspect fled the area in a vehicle. The pursuit ended when the suspect lost control of the vehicle a few miles away and crashed.

According to the CBP, two occupants of the vehicle were airlifted to a nearby hospital to be treated for their injuries resulting from the crash. The CBP agent who was shot was medically examined at the scene and released. An investigation has been initiated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The incident is also under review by the Office of Professional Responsibility. The New Mexico State Police is also assisting in the investigation.