A gunman armed with a rifle attacked a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Dallas, resulting in the death of one detainee and injuries to two others before the shooter took his own life, as per authorities. Initially, reports suggested two fatalities, but the Department of Homeland Security later clarified that two individuals remain in critical condition. The shooter, identified as Joshua Jahn, aged 29, was named by law enforcement sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity to The Associated Press.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear. A photo shared on social media by ICE agency head Kash Patel displayed a bullet marked with “ANTI-ICE.” The Department of Homeland Security stated that the shooter indiscriminately fired at the ICE building, targeting a van in the sallyport where the victims were located. Fortunately, no ICE agents sustained injuries in the incident.
The shooting took place at the local ICE field office in Dallas, where detainees undergo short-term processing. The FBI is investigating the incident as an act of targeted violence. This attack is the latest in a series of publicized killings in the U.S., occurring shortly after a similar incident involving conservative figure Charlie Kirk.
Eyewitness accounts, like that of Edwin Cardona, an immigrant from Venezuela, described the harrowing experience as they were inside the ICE building during the shooting. Cardona’s family was ushered to safety within the building premises, ensuring their well-being amidst the chaos. The ICE facility, located near Dallas Love Field, observed a significant disruption in nearby traffic following the incident.
Various political figures, including Vice-President JD Vance and Senator Ted Cruz, condemned the violence and emphasized the need to halt politically motivated attacks on law enforcement agencies like ICE. However, reactions from different officials and politicians have sparked debates on the narrative surrounding the incident, with contrasting viewpoints emerging.
Local faith leaders, such as the Rev. Ashley Anne Sipe, expressed sorrow over the tragic event, emphasizing the futility of violence. They regularly hold vigils outside the ICE facility, offering support to those affected by deportations. The shooting in Dallas follows previous security threats and attacks on immigration detention centers in Texas, highlighting ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in the region.
