‘Unprecedented violence’: Shooter opens fire from rooftop on ICE detainees before taking own life in Dallas attack

A deadly shooting at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Dallas left two detainees dead and another critically injured on Wednesday morning, September 24, 2025. The gunman, identified as 29-year-old Joshua Jahn, opened fire from a nearby rooftop before taking his own life as law enforcement officers approached his position.

The attack began around 6:40 a.m. when Jahn fired multiple rounds at the ICE facility located on North Stemmons Freeway. According to authorities, he targeted an unmarked transport van carrying detainees as it entered the facility’s secure entryway, known as a sally port. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed that Jahn “fired indiscriminately at the ICE building, including at a van in the sallyport where the victims were shot.”

According to MSNBC, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem described the situation as part of a troubling pattern, stating that “ICE law enforcement is facing unprecedented violence against them.” She emphasized that while details were still emerging, the violence directed at immigration enforcement officers must stop. No ICE officers or law enforcement personnel were injured in the attack, though the victims included three detainees who were being transported to the facility.

Evidence points to ideological motives behind the attack

FBI special agent in charge Joe Rothrock confirmed that the bureau is investigating the incident as “an act of targeted violence.” Investigators discovered bullets near the shooter’s body that contained anti-ICE messages. FBI Director Kash Patel later released images showing unspent shell casings with the phrase “ANTI-ICE” engraved on them, indicating what he called an “ideological motive” behind the attack.

Dallas Police Chief Daniel Comeaux explained that officers arrived at the scene to find four people with gunshot wounds, two of whom were already deceased, including the shooter. The two surviving victims were transported to local hospitals, though one later died from their injuries. The third victim remains in critical condition.

The incident has sparked renewed concerns about security at federal facilities, particularly during detainee transport operations. This marks the second attack on an ICE facility in the Dallas area in recent months. In August, a man was arrested after making bomb threats at the same location. The recent violence against ICE operations follows a pattern of controversial incidents involving immigration enforcement officers that have drawn public attention. Texas Senator Ted Cruz addressed the shooting at a press briefing, calling for an end to what he described as inflammatory rhetoric. “Violence is wrong, politically motivated violence is wrong,” Cruz said, urging politicians to stop “demonizing ICE and demonizing CBP.”

Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons announced plans to increase security measures at all ICE facilities nationwide to protect both agents and civilians. The FBI continues to investigate the shooter’s background and potential connections to determine whether he acted alone or had broader ties to extremist activity. The attack has also reignited debates about the aggressive tactics used during ICE enforcement operations across the country.