DALLAS (AP) — What motivated a shooter who opened fire on a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Dallas, killing one detainee and wounding two others before taking his own life, remains unclear. The shooter, identified as 29-year-old Joshua Jahn, was reported to have fired a bolt-action rifle from a rooftop into a transport van on Wednesday.
FBI Director Kash Patel shared an image of a bullet from the scene marked with ANTI-ICE, suggesting a potential ideological motive. In light of the incident, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem ordered increased security measures at ICE facilities nationwide.
Despite the violence, no ICE agents were harmed during the attack. This event comes on the heels of another public shooting targeting a conservative activist, raising fears in immigrant communities about potential backlash against ICE agents.
The American Immigration Lawyers Association issued a statement emphasizing the need for dignity and safety for everyone involved in the immigration process, calling the shootings a stark reminder of the violent climate surrounding immigration issues.
The DHS indicated that shots were fired indiscriminately at the facility, including at a secure area known as the sally port. The two injured detainees are currently hospitalized in critical condition.
Authorities are treating the shooting as “an act of targeted violence” but are yet to disclose additional details about the victims or the gunman.”
Witness accounts depict fear and chaos as Edwin Cardona, an immigrant from Venezuela, described the moment he heard gunfire while entering the building with his son. The ICE facility is located near major highways and hotels, making it an accessible target.
Investigators have convened at locations linked to Jahn to gather more information about his background, revealing that he had previously studied at a local college and held a minimum-wage job harvesting marijuana.
Political leaders, including Vice President JD Vance and Senator Ted Cruz, decried the violence directed at law enforcement, particularly ICE agents. Advocacy groups have expressed concern over the ongoing climate of fear among migrants and their communities.
Calls for heightened security at immigration facilities are becoming more common, with concerns over varying security arrangements across the country's many ICE offices. John Torres, a former acting director of ICE, highlighted the risks posed by unprotected areas such as loading docks and the potential for sniper attacks.
As the investigation continues, the shooting incident has stirred national dialogue about the safety of law enforcement personnel and those navigating the complexities of the immigration system amidst escalating political tensions.
