A U.S. Border Patrol agent fatally shot a suspected cartel smuggler on Thursday after the individual crossed the Rio Grande into Starr County, Texas, according to confirmations from Fox News.

Sources from border law enforcement revealed that the suspected smuggler attacked the agent, prompting the agent to discharge his firearm in an act of self-defense, resulting in the man’s death.

The agent involved in the incident is reported to be unharmed, as per the same sources.

On Thursday, a shooting incident involving a U.S. Border Patrol officer occurred in Midway, Texas, with visual coverage provided by Kirsten Luce for The Washington Post via Getty Images.

The Texas Department of Public Safety verified the occurrence of the officer-involved shooting on social media platform X, noting that the suspect was declared 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.

It is unclear what led to the encounter or the subsequent shooting. (Herika Martinez/AFP via Getty Images)

The sheriff’s office asked the public to avoid the area as first responders clear and secure the scene.

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.