A detainee has died and two others are critically injured after a rooftop sniper opened fire at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) centre in Dallas, Texas, officials say.
The gunman fired indiscriminately at the ICE facility and at a nearby unmarked van, before dying from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
No law enforcement officers were injured in the incident. FBI Director Kash Patel shared a photo on social media of unused ammunition recovered from the scene, featuring the phrase ANTI-ICE inscribed on one casing.
This attack marks the latest incident in a series of attacks on ICE facilities, coinciding with the agency’s active measures to carry out US President Donald Trump's agenda of mass deportations.
Background of the Shooter
Joshua Jahn, a 29-year-old, was identified as the shooter. He had prior cannabis-related charges dating back to 2016. Despite the ideological motives indicated by the ammunition, his brother claimed he did not exhibit strong political views regarding ICE.
According to authorities, Jahn opened fire from an adjacent building, targeting the ICE facility with what has been described as a high-powered rifle. The timing and indiscriminate nature of his shooting raised concerns about the potential for greater casualties.
Official Responses
Acting ICE director Todd Lyons described the urgency for a cessation of divisive rhetoric, a sentiment echoed by Texas Senator Ted Cruz, who stressed that political opponents should not be vilified. The incident also brought attention to the rising political violence in the U.S., prompting statements from various lawmakers condemning the acts.
Broader Implications
As law enforcement investigates, Dallas police and the FBI are treating the shooting as an act of targeted violence that reflects escalating tensions related to immigration enforcement in the country. Previous incidents, such as bomb threats and other assaults on ICE facilities, have sparked ongoing debates about political responsibility for such acts.
