AJO, Ariz. — The FBI and Tohono O’odham Nation police are investigating the shooting death of a tribal member by US Border Patrol agents in southern Arizona.
Customs and Border Protection officials said agents from the Ajo Border Patrol Station were involved in a fatal shooting on the Tohono O’odham reservation near Ajo around 10 p.m. Thursday.
They said the incident is under review by Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Professional Responsibility. But they have not released any additional information.
Tribal Chairman Ned Norris Jr. said in a statement Sunday that the shooting occurred in the Tohono O’odham Nation community of Meneger’s Dam and identified the victim.
“Nation member Raymond Mattia lost his life in the incident. Our hearts go out to his family and all those affected during this difficult time,” Norris said. “As the investigation progresses, the Nation expects a full consideration of all the facts related to the incident and an appropriate and prompt response from the relevant public safety agencies. Because the investigation is ongoing, we will refrain from further comment at this time.»
Mattia had called Border Patrol because he wanted help getting several immigrants trespassing from his property, an NBC affiliate. KVOA of Tucson reported, citing a family member.
The Meneger Dam is only a few miles from the US-Mexico border.
According to KVOA, Mattia’s family told them that he came out when he saw the officers and was shot for an unknown reason.