In a shocking incident at a Dallas immigration facility, 29-year-old Joshua Jahn opened fire, resulting in the death of one detainee and injuries to two others. The shooting occurred at approximately 6:30 a.m. at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) field office, where Jahn used a bolt-action rifle to shoot across the length of the building, striking targets through windows and towards law enforcement vans.
The attack reportedly involved multiple gunshots, although the exact number has not yet been confirmed. Acting U.S. Attorney Nancy Larson addressed the media, revealing that Jahn's actions were premeditated, as he left behind a series of notes outlining his intentions. One note chillingly stated, “yes, it was just me and my brain,” indicating that he acted alone.
According to Larson, Jahn expressed a desire to "maximize harm against ICE while minimizing collateral damage." Tragically, the irony lies in the fact that his attack resulted in the death of a detainee and injuries to two others, an outcome Larson characterized as “the very definition of terrorism.”
Investigation into Jahn's motives revealed that he had planned the shooting months in advance. FBI Dallas Special Agent Joe Rothrock stated that Jahn aimed to instill fear not only among ICE agents but law enforcement across the country. Evidence suggests that Jahn had utilized ICE tracking applications to monitor and locate ICE officers, further demonstrating his intent to carry out a targeted attack.
Officials discovered that Jahn also downloaded information related to several Department of Homeland Security facilities, prompting increased security measures at ICE locations as ordered by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
On the morning of the shooting, around 3 a.m., Jahn was captured on surveillance footage driving with a large ladder, which authorities believe he used to access the roof of an adjacent building. After the shooting commenced, the Dallas Police Department responded swiftly, ultimately finding Jahn deceased on the roof from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
At the scene, investigators found unspent shell casings, one inscribed with the words “Anti-ICE.” Despite this, the FBI reported that there was no evidence linking Jahn to any specific political group, and his notes did not target any agency beyond ICE. Interestingly, other notes found in his possession suggested he did not intend to harm detainees, which adds another layer of complexity to the case.
This incident has heightened fears within the North Texas immigrant community, particularly amidst ongoing anti-immigrant rhetoric. The shooting is the latest in a series of incidents linked to alleged political violence in the area. Just weeks prior, the Dallas ICE office received a bomb threat from a man claiming to possess explosives, leading to his arrest for making terroristic threats. Additionally, in early July, a shooting incident occurred during a protest near the Prairieland Detention Center, underscoring the tense climate surrounding immigration and law enforcement issues.
As the community processes this tragic event, the concerns regarding safety and security for both ICE agents and immigrants remain at the forefront of public discourse. For ongoing coverage and updates, stay tuned to KERA News.
If you have any tips or information related to this story, please contact Penelope Rivera at privera@kera.org.
