On the morning of September 24, 2025, a tragic shooting took place at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Dallas, Texas. A sniper opened fire from a nearby rooftop, killing one ICE detainee and injuring two others, who are still in critical condition. The shooter, later identified as Joshua Jahn, died by suicide before police could arrest him.
This violent act is now being investigated as a politically motivated attack, raising serious questions about the safety of federal facilities and the growing threat of domestic extremism.
Shooting Starts Outside ICE Facility in Dallas
According to CBS News, the attack began around 6:40 a.m. when detainees were being moved in a transport van through the sally port, a secure entry area of the ICE building located off North Stemmons Freeway.
The shooter had climbed onto the roof of a nearby office building across the street and opened fire with a rifle. Three detainees inside the van were shot. One of them died at the scene, while the others were rushed to the hospital in critical condition. Thankfully, no ICE agents or police officers were injured.
Gunman Found Dead With Anti-ICE Message
The shooter was later found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to AP News. He was identified as Joshua Jahn, a 29-year-old.
Authorities discovered several unfired bullet casings near his body, and some of them had “ANTI-ICE” written on them. This message led investigators to believe the shooter had political or ideological reasons for the attack. Police also found a U.S. map covered in nuclear fallout zones in Jahn’s car, adding to concerns about his state of mind and possible motives.
FBI Treats Attack as Political Violence
The FBI is leading the investigation. According to the Financial Times, the agency is treating the shooting as a case of targeted violence, likely driven by political beliefs. FBI Director Kash Patel said in a public statement that early evidence points to an ideological motive, possibly linked to the shooter’s views on immigration enforcement. Investigators are still reviewing Jahn’s social media history and looking for any links to extremist groups or individuals.
Victims Were ICE Detainees
All three victims were detainees in ICE custody, and none of them were law enforcement officers. The names of the victims have not been released publicly due to privacy and ongoing investigations. Fox 4 News reported that the two survivors were taken to a local hospital, where they remain in critical condition. ICE has stated that they are working to notify families and provide support where possible.
Shooter Had No Known Political Ties
Despite the clear message left behind, the shooter’s political background remains unclear. The Times of India reported that Joshua Jahn was a registered independent with no major political affiliations. He had a criminal record but no known history of mental illness or direct threats toward government agencies. Police are still investigating whether he acted alone or had help planning the attack.
Response From Officials and Public
The incident has drawn strong responses from government officials and political figures. Former President Donald Trump quickly blamed the attack on “radical left-wing rhetoric”, saying it put law enforcement and ICE personnel at risk.
Vice President J.D. Vance and other conservative leaders also condemned the act and called for tighter security at all ICE and federal facilities. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem described the shooting as “reprehensible” and promised an increase in protective measures across the country.
Some Democratic lawmakers responded by urging calm and avoiding further politicization of immigration enforcement. They warned that blaming political movements without clear evidence could worsen national tensions.
Not the First ICE Attack in Texas
This shooting follows a series of recent attacks on ICE facilities in Texas. In July 2025, another incident occurred at the Prairieland ICE Detention Center in Alvarado, where a group tried to break in using fireworks and weapons. That attack injured one officer and raised serious concerns about ICE security in the state.
According to Wikipedia, both attacks show a growing pattern of threats against immigration enforcement agencies.
Bigger Concerns About Extremism
The Dallas shooting has reignited concerns about homegrown terrorism and political extremism in the United States. Experts warn that increased polarization, violent rhetoric, and distrust in government institutions may lead to more of these kinds of attacks.
This incident comes just weeks after the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, which added to national tensions. Reuters reported that authorities are now on high alert for possible copycat attacks or organized efforts targeting federal institutions.
What Happens Next
The investigation into the Dallas shooting is still underway, with federal and local agencies working together to piece together the shooter’s full background and motives.
In the meantime, ICE facilities nationwide are enhancing security. Lawmakers are expected to hold hearings on domestic threats and potential reforms to enhance the protection of federal agencies and detainees.
While the shooter acted alone, the message left behind has a larger impact, raising questions about the balance between immigration enforcement and political accountability in a deeply divided country.
