A brazen sniper attack on a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Dallas, Texas, on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, resulted in the death of one detainee and critically injured two others. The shooter, identified as 29-year-old Joshua Jahn, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The FBI is investigating the incident as an act of “targeted violence,” with preliminary evidence suggesting an “anti-ICE” motive.
The Attack from Above
The shooting commenced shortly before 7 a.m. local time when the assailant opened fire from the rooftop of a nearby building, reportedly an attorney’s office, overlooking the ICE field office. Authorities confirmed that the shooter fired multiple rounds “indiscriminately” at the federal building, with a particular focus on a transport van situated in the facility’s sallyport – a secured entryway designed for vehicles. This precise targeting within the sallyport led to the three detainees being struck while inside the van. Initial reports indicated extensive damage to the building, with bullet holes piercing windows and blinds.
Detainees as Victims
In a correction to earlier statements, U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials confirmed that all three individuals shot were detainees in ICE custody. One detainee succumbed to their injuries at the scene, while the other two sustained critical wounds and were transported to local hospitals. Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs later confirmed that one of the critically injured detainees was a Mexican national. No ICE personnel or law enforcement officers were harmed during the attack.
Perpetrator and Emerging Motive
Law enforcement identified the shooter as Joshua Jahn, a 29-year-old man with ties to North Texas and Oklahoma. Jahn died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound as agents approached the scene. The investigation into his motive is ongoing, but key evidence has emerged. Unspent shell casings recovered near Jahn’s body bore markings with the phrase “ANTI-ICE” written in blue. FBI Special Agent in Charge for the Dallas Field Office, R. Joseph Rothrock, stated that this evidence indicated an ideological motive behind the attack. Despite these findings, authorities have not definitively confirmed Jahn’s specific affiliations or the full scope of his intentions, with his brother expressing surprise at the allegations and stating Jahn was not overtly political.
The Dallas ICE Facility and Previous Threats
The Dallas Field Office serves as a primary hub for ICE in Texas and Oklahoma, handling short-term processing and detention for migrants. The facility, located near Dallas Love Field, has a holding capacity for approximately 100 individuals and serves as a point of contact for legal representatives and family members of detainees. Notably, the facility had experienced a previous security incident in August 2025, when Bratton Dean Wilkinson was arrested on suspicion of making terroristic threats after claiming to have a bomb in his backpack upon attempting to enter the office.
A Pattern of Attacks in Texas
Wednesday’s shooting is the second significant attack on an ICE or Border Patrol facility in Texas in 2025, highlighting a concerning trend. On July 4th, an ICE facility in Alvarado, southwest of Dallas, was attacked by individuals dressed in military-style clothing, resulting in an officer being shot. At least 11 people have since been charged in connection with that incident. Just days later, on July 7th, a heavily armed man opened fire on a U.S. Border Patrol facility in McAllen, injuring a police officer before being killed by responding authorities. ICE has reported a substantial increase in assaults on its officers nationwide, further amplifying concerns about security and the safety of its personnel and facilities.
Political Discourse and Trending Tensions
The Dallas ICE shooting quickly ignited a partisan debate. Republican officials, including President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance, were swift to condemn the attack, linking it to “radical left” rhetoric and anti-law enforcement sentiments, framing it as an attack on law enforcement. They pointed to the “ANTI-ICE” markings as evidence of this ideological motivation. Conversely, Democratic leaders urged restraint in assigning blame, emphasizing the victims were detainees and highlighting the need for comprehensive immigration reform rather than political point-scoring. Texas Governor Greg Abbott condemned the “horrific” shooting but reiterated his commitment to state immigration enforcement efforts.
Ongoing Investigation and Broader Implications
Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons described the shooting as a “calculated sniper attack aimed at law enforcement” and warned that escalating rhetoric against the agency poses significant dangers. While the FBI continues its investigation to ascertain a definitive motive, the incident underscores the volatile climate surrounding immigration enforcement. The attack, occurring in a populated area during morning commute hours, also raised concerns about broader public safety. The investigation is expected to delve deeper into Joshua Jahn’s background, his access to firearms, and any potential connections or influences that may have led to this deadly assault on the Dallas ICE facility, making it a top news story.
This news is trending nationally due to the sensitive nature of immigration policy and the increasing targeting of federal law enforcement facilities across the United States.
