The Border Patrol says it’s investigating an incident involving an indigenous man who is seen on video being struck by an agent’s vehicle.
The agency said Friday its Tucson Sector has been made aware of the video taken Thursday on the Tohono O’odham Nation.
Paulo Remes, a resident of the Tohono O’odham Nation, told the Arizona Daily Star he ran onto the dirt road because he knew the agent would hit him. He did not elaborate.
The Border Patrol said in a statement that it’s fully cooperating with Tohono O’odham police, which is investigating.
“We stress honor and integrity in every aspect of our mission. We do not tolerate misconduct on or off duty and will fully cooperate with all investigations of alleged unlawful conduct by our personnel,” the agency said.
Tohono O’odham Nation Chairman Edward D. Manuel called the video disturbing in a statement on Friday.
Manuel didn’t identify Remes but said he was a 34-year-old member of the tribe.
Manuel said the man was treated at a health care facility for non-life threatening injuries.
Tohono O’odham Nation police are working with the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office on the investigation.
“The safety and wellbeing of the general public is the Nation’s top priority, and the Nation’s leadership is monitoring this issue closely,” Manuel said.
The reservation is located along the border with Mexico. No further details were available.
(AP)