Four federal agents were hospitalised, a woman was killed and four other people were hurt in a shooting in Ahwatukee, Arizona.

The incident took place just before 10:00 am on Thursday (April 11) near 48th Street just south of Elliot Road, involving Homeland Security according to the Phoenix Police Department.

Of the four agents hurt, two of them were shot, according to Councilman Sal DiCiccio's office.

DiCiccio's office told newspaper Arizona's Family that Phoenix police briefed them on the situation.

According to police, one of the suspects was armed with an assault rifle.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) says the shooting was connected to human smuggling investigation.

A source tells us that the four agents involved had non-life threatening injuries.

Phoenix police said ICE agents were trying to stop a driver and make an arrest. All five suspects were in the vehicle.

Investigators said the suspect tried to run, but the agents forced the vehicle to stop. The front-seat passenger then opened fire on the agents, who returned fire.

The woman died at the scene. The other four were taken to the hospital with injuries not considered life-threatening.

Authorities have not released any other information about the suspects.

According to a statement released Thursday afternoons by ICE: "Special agents discharged their firearm, striking two suspects while executing a federal felony arrest warrant connected to human smuggling."

ICE says the Phoenix Police Department is investigating the incident, and ICE's Office of Professional Responsibility is reviewing the incident.