Marina
A tragic shooting at a Dallas ICE facility early Wednesday morning left two detainees dead and another injured.
Authorities confirmed the alleged gunman, 29-year-old Joshua Jahn, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound following the attack. The FBI is treating the case as a targeted assault against federal immigration enforcement.
Details of the Attack
The shooting occurred around 6:30 a.m. local time as ICE officers were transferring detainees into the facility. Gunfire struck a law enforcement van holding three detainees, killing two and injuring one. Investigators say Jahn opened fire from a nearby rooftop, targeting both the van and parts of the ICE complex.
Authorities discovered anti-ICE messages on bullet rounds near the shooter, reinforcing suspicions of a politically motivated attack. Officials revealed that Jahn attempted to enter the facility when the sally port gate was open during detainee transfers.
FBI and Homeland Security Response
At a press conference, the FBI confirmed it would lead the investigation, with Director Kash Patel condemning the assault as part of a troubling pattern of violence against law enforcement. Patel noted that a similar ambush on an ICE facility had taken place just months earlier in Prarieland, Texas.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem also confirmed the fatalities, urging prayers for victims while warning of rising hostility toward ICE officers.
A DHS spokeswoman, Tricia McLaughin, highlighted that the Dallas location had already faced a bomb threat just one month ago, suggesting the site may have been under surveillance by the attacker.
Political and Community Reactions
The incident drew swift responses from national and state leaders:
- Vice President JD Vance labeled the shooting an “obsessive attack” on law enforcement and called for an end to anti-ICE violence.
- Sen. Ted Cruz condemned the assault, stating that political debates over immigration should remain within Congress, not play out through violence.
- Rep. Marc Veasey, who represents the district, confirmed his office is monitoring developments and expressed sympathy for victims.
- Texas Governor Greg Abbott described the incident as an “assassination” attempt and pledged that Texas law enforcement would continue to support ICE operations despite the attack.
Law Enforcement and Security Measures
While no ICE officers were physically harmed, the attack underscores growing security concerns surrounding immigration facilities nationwide.
Officials believe Jahn may have carefully observed daily operations before planning the assault. Law enforcement agencies are now working to strengthen security protocols at ICE centers across Texas.
The Dallas ICE facility shooting highlights the escalating risks faced by immigration authorities in the U.S. With two detainees dead and one injured, the tragedy raises urgent concerns about targeted violence and security vulnerabilities at detention centers.
Federal and state leaders have united in condemning the attack, pledging to pursue justice and ensure that law enforcement officers and detainees alike are better protected from politically motivated assaults.