Dallas ICE Facility Shooting: What We Know
On September 24, 2025, a shooting at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Dallas, Texas left one detainee dead and two others critically wounded. The shooter, identified as Joshua Jahn, took his own life after the attack. Authorities are investigating the incident as an act of targeted violence, citing evidence of an anti-ICE motive.
The Attack and Investigation
The Dallas Police Department responded to a call for assistance at the ICE field office at approximately 6:40 a.m. local time. Investigators believe Jahn fired from a nearby rooftop, "indiscriminately" targeting the building and a transport van where the detainees were located. Authorities discovered unspent ammunition at the scene marked with the phrase "ANTI-ICE." The FBI is leading the investigation, focusing on Jahn's motives and potential connections.
- Joshua Jahn, the 29-year-old suspect, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
- Authorities found handwritten notes at Jahn's home revealing a "game plan of the attack" and "hatred for the federal government," specifically ICE.
- Evidence suggests Jahn acted alone and meticulously planned the attack, researching ICE facilities, tracking methods, and ballistics.
- The firearm used was an 8mm bolt-action rifle legally purchased in August.
The Victims
Three detainees were shot during the attack. One detainee died, and two others were critically injured. One of the injured detainees is a Mexican national, according to the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The identities of the victims have not been officially released.
Advocacy groups voiced concerns about the lack of information being released regarding the victims. Flaka Martinez, an organizer with Vecinos Unidos, emphasized the need for transparency and support for the families affected. Some immigrant families reported not hearing from loved ones recently taken into ICE custody, increasing fears that they may be victims of the shooting.
"If they can’t even acknowledge and identify the people who were the true victims in this situation, we can’t believe anything they say about what happened," said Flaka Martinez.
Reactions and Political Fallout
The shooting sparked a heated debate about political rhetoric and violence. President Donald Trump condemned the attack and urged Democrats to stop their "rhetoric against ICE." Vice President JD Vance claimed the shooter was a "left-wing extremist," while Sen. Ted Cruz called for an end to politically motivated violence and demonization of law enforcement.
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem blamed the "far-left" for inciting violence against ICE. In response, House Democratic leaders condemned the violence and called for unity. The Department of Homeland Security announced plans to increase security at ICE facilities nationwide.
| Key Figure | Position | Statement |
|---|---|---|
| Kristi Noem | Secretary of Homeland Security | "This vile attack was motivated by hatred for ICE... This shooting must serve as a wake-up call." |
| Ted Cruz | U.S. Senator (R-Texas) | "Violence is wrong, politically motivated violence is wrong... We should not be putting language out there that inspires madmen." |
| JD Vance | Vice President | "The obsessive attack on law enforcement, particularly ICE, must stop... We're praying both for our ICE agents, but also for everybody who's affected by this terrible attack." |
ICE and Immigration Enforcement
The shooting occurred amid heightened tensions surrounding ICE's immigration enforcement policies. ICE, a federal agency under the Department of Homeland Security, has faced increasing criticism for its deportation practices and detention conditions. The agency's role in enforcing President Trump's immigration policies has made it a target for protests and attacks.
The incident also raises concerns about the safety of ICE agents and personnel. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin cited "unprecedented acts of violence against ICE law enforcement." The White House criticized the ICEBlock app, which flags sightings of immigration officers, following reports that the shooter may have used the program.
The Dallas ICE facility, located along Interstate 35 East, processes detainees before transferring them to longer-term detention centers. Over 10,000 people have gone through the facility in fiscal year 2025.
Aftermath and Continued Investigation
The investigation into the Dallas ICE facility shooting is ongoing. Authorities are examining Joshua Jahn's motives, online activity, and potential connections to extremist groups. The incident has renewed calls for political leaders to tone down their rhetoric and for increased security at ICE facilities. The shooting also highlights the ongoing debate surrounding immigration enforcement and the role of ICE in the United States.
