A gunman opened fire at a Dallas ICE field office just before 7 a.m. on Wednesday, killing one detainee and wounding others before taking his own life in what federal officials describe as a politically motivated attack.
The killer has since been identified by multiple outlets as 29-year old Joshua Jahn.
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that investigators recovered shell casings at the scene, including one engraved with “ANTI ICE,” adding, “While the investigation is ongoing, initial evidence shows an ideological motive behind this attack.”
Patel emphasized that the shooting is part of a disturbing pattern: “These despicable, politically motivated attacks against law enforcement are not a one-off. We are only miles from Prarieland, Texas where just two months ago an individual ambushed a separate ICE facility targeting their officers. It has to end and the FBI and our partners will lead these investigative efforts.”
No law enforcement officers were injured, but officials urged public prayers for the wounded and deceased as local, state, and federal agencies launched a joint investigation.
Jahn reportedly fired into the ICE field office’s sally port area from an adjacent building, using a rifle in what authorities have described as a sniper-style attack. The victims were all ICE detainees.
Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons confirmed that all agency staff are accounted for. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that the shooter died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound and expressed concern about rising threats to ICE facilities nationwide.
Gov. Greg Abbott has condemned the shooting, pledging continued support for ICE’s law enforcement operations and vowing that arrests, detentions, and deportations would continue.
The Dallas ICE facility shooting has highlighted growing security challenges faced by law enforcement and immigration officials amid political tensions over border and immigration policy.
Men in black tactical gear carried out the July 4 attack on the Prairieland ICE Detention Center in Alvarado, luring staff outside with fireworks before opening fire on officers. All suspects were later caught and now face federal attempted murder charges.
