In a devastating incident early Wednesday morning, a shooting at a Dallas Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility has resulted in the death of one detainee, with two others reported in critical condition. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed the unfolding tragedy, which has sent shockwaves through the community and raised concerns about violence against law enforcement.
According to the Dallas Police Department, law enforcement discovered the suspected shooter dead at the scene. The shooter reportedly died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, as confirmed by Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons. The FBI has initiated an investigation into the incident, treating it as a case of targeted violence against ICE personnel.
During media interviews on Wednesday, Lyons identified the shooter as 29-year-old Joshua Jahn, who was already known to law enforcement prior to this violent act. This incident highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding ICE operations, which are central to President Trump's immigration crackdown.
According to a press release from DHS, the shooter indiscriminately fired shots towards the ICE building, including targeting a van located in the sallyport area where the victims were present. In total, three detainees were shot from a nearby rooftop, with shell casings found that bore anti-ICE messages, indicating a deliberate attack on ICE law enforcement.
Joe Rothrock, the special agent in charge of the Dallas FBI field office, stated during a news conference that early evidence from the scene contained anti-ICE messages, reinforcing the notion that this was a targeted attack. Fortunately, no law enforcement personnel were injured during the shooting. However, the identities of the victims have not been released, and it remains unclear whether they were detained immigrants.
Dallas police responded swiftly to the incident at approximately 6:40 AM local time. Preliminary reports suggested that a possible sniper had fired shots from outside the facility. Lyons expressed his concern, stating, “It's just a sad time that we have to worry about violence against law enforcement.”
In response to the shooting, Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued a statement affirming that the violence would not hinder the state’s efforts regarding the arrest, detention, and deportation of illegal immigrants. This incident follows a troubling pattern of violence against ICE, including a previous shooting in July outside an ICE detention facility in Alvarado, Texas, which was described as an ambush by acting U.S. Attorney Nancy Larson.
As the investigation continues, the tragic events at the Dallas ICE facility serve as a stark reminder of the escalating tensions surrounding immigration enforcement and law enforcement safety. This story has been updated to reflect the latest information from DHS, confirming that one victim has died from their injuries, while two remain in critical condition.
