Border Patrol Agent Nicholas Ivie Killed in Arizona's Major Drug-Smuggling Corridor, Timeline of Events, Map, Pictures

U.S. Border Patrol agent Nicholas Ivie, 33 was killed in a shooting on Tuesday near Naco, Arizona, at a major drug-smuggling corridor that has been dangerous for many years.

The suspects appear to be on the run.

The agent was killed at Brian Terry Border Patrol Station just south of Tucson at about 2 a.m. He and two other border patrol agents were patrolling on horseback and had been sent to investigate an alarm that went off from a sensor along the border.

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A second agent was injured and air lifted to a hospital but his injuries were not life threatening. A third agent was unharmed.

"Last night, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection family suffered the loss of Border Patrol Agent Nicholas J. Ivie at the hands of criminals operating on the border near Naco, Arizona. Another agent was also wounded and was treated at a local hospital," Deputy Commissioner David Aguilar said in a statement. 

"Agent Ivie died in the line of duty, protecting our nation against those who threaten our way of life. His death only strengthens our resolve to enforce the rule of law and bring those responsible to justice," Aguilar added.

Ivie is survived by his wife and two children, according to CNN.

The FBI is conducting an investigation on the killing. According to Fox News the area is currently flooded with agents on horseback and helicopters conducting a search for the suspects.

The U.S. Border Patrol station located at 2136 South Naco Highway in Bisbee, Arizona, was renamed in honor of slain border agent Brian Terry in 2010 a couple of weeks ago.

Timeline of Events

Somewhere between 1:30 am and 1:45 am three border patrols were involved in a shooting situation East of Bisbee and South of Highway 80., Cochise Deputy Sheriff told ABC News.