DALLAS (AP) – The motivations behind a shooting at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Dallas remain unclear as of Thursday. Authorities reported that the suspected shooter, identified as 29-year-old Joshua Jahn, opened fire from a nearby rooftop, killing one detainee and injuring two others before taking his own life. The incident occurred on Wednesday, September 24, 2025.
The FBI Director, Kash Patel, shared on social media a photo of a bullet found at the scene, which had the words "ANTI-ICE" inscribed on it. In response to the shooting, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem ordered heightened security measures at ICE facilities across the United States. Notably, no ICE agents were harmed during the attack.
This shooting marks another tragic instance of targeted violence, occurring just two weeks after conservative activist Charlie Kirk was killed by a gunman. The recent uptick in immigration enforcement has led to increased backlash against ICE agents, inciting fear within immigrant communities across the nation.
The American Immigration Lawyers Association stated that the shootings serve as a reminder that each immigration case number represents a human being entitled to dignity and safety. They emphasized that everyone involved in the immigration system deserves to be free from violence and fear.
The Department of Homeland Security noted that the shots were fired indiscriminately at the ICE building, including a transport van located in the sallyport, a secure entry point. The two wounded detainees were reported to be in critical condition at a local hospital.
The FBI has classified the shooting as an act of targeted violence but has not released further details regarding the shooter or the victims. Reports indicate that Jahn utilized a bolt-action rifle during the incident.
Witness Edwin Cardona, an immigrant from Venezuela, described how he was entering the ICE building for an appointment with his son when the gunfire erupted. An agent swiftly directed those inside to a more secure area, revealing the presence of an active shooter. Cardona expressed his fear for his family's safety, as they were outside during the incident.
Investigators were seen at a suburban Dallas home linked to Jahn shortly after the shooting. Public records reveal that Jahn had been a student at Collin College between 2013 and 2018. In late 2017, he reportedly traveled across the country for a temporary job harvesting marijuana.
Political leaders have condemned the rise in violence directed at law enforcement. Vice President JD Vance asserted on social media that the ongoing attacks on law enforcement, particularly ICE agents, must cease. Texas Senator Ted Cruz echoed this sentiment, urging for an end to political violence.
The Catholic Legal Immigration Network remarked that the shooting serves as a painful reminder of the violence that often impacts migrants and their communities. Noem highlighted a worrying trend of attacks targeting ICE agents, referencing a similar incident in July where individuals in military-style clothing fired upon the Prairieland Detention Center in Alvarado, Texas.
Federal offices for ICE vary in security measures. Some locations are situated within federal buildings, while others are mixed in with private businesses, leading to vulnerabilities, especially with exposed loading areas. Former ICE officials have pointed out that such vulnerabilities can pose significant risks, allowing for potential attacks from nearby vantage points.
The investigation into the shooting continues as authorities work to comprehend the full scope of the events and the rise in targeted violence against ICE facilities.
