A gunman opened fire on an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Dallas, Texas, Wednesday, killing two detainees and wounding another. The FBI has confirmed the shooting as a ‘targeted attack’ against ICE, citing anti-ICE messaging found on bullet rounds at the scene. According to preliminary investigations, the alleged shooter, 29-year-old Joshua Jahn, reportedly fired from a nearby rooftop, striking both a law enforcement van and the facility itself. Jahn, who died by self-inflicted gunshot wound, reportedly attempted to force his way into the facility during a detainee transfer. The shooting occurred as ICE officers were moving detainees into the facility, with three individuals injured in the attack. Two of the victims, who were detainees, were killed.
The FBI and Homeland Security officials condemned the attack, emphasizing the need for an end to violence against law enforcement. Meanwhile, political figures, including Texas Governor Greg Abbott, have condemned the attack, urging continued support for ICE operations. ‘This assassination will NOT slow our arrest, detention, and deportation of illegal immigrants,’ said Abbort. The FBI director, Kash Patel, emphasized the need for justice for the victims and vowed to investigate the motives behind the attack. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokeswoman Tricia McLaughin reiterated calls for critics of ICE to tone down their rhetoric after the attack. ‘We don’t want to get anyone killed,’ she said.
Sen. Ted Cruz and other political leaders voiced their support for ICE, emphasizing the need for safe public spaces and law enforcement. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of ICE facilities and the potential impact on immigration policies. Meanwhile, authorities are still investigating details about the shooter’s motives, including possible surveillance of ICE operations. The shooting has sparked discussions about the broader implications of political rhetoric and its potential consequences on public safety.