Dallas shooter intended target to be ICE not detainees, officials say

September 25, 2025

A shooting at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Dallas, Texas on Wednesday left one detainee dead and two others critically injured before the gunman, 29-year-old Joshua Jahn, died by suicide. According to officials, handwritten notes found at Jahn's home indicated he specifically targeted ICE personnel rather than detainees, viewing ICE's work as "human trafficking" and intending to "maximize lethality against ICE personnel. " The notes revealed extensive pre-attack planning, with Jahn positioning himself on a rooftop using a ladder from his car to fire at transport vehicles carrying ICE personnel and detainees.

Who is affected

One deceased detainee and two critically injured detainees at the ICE facility
A Mexican national (identified as one of the injured detainees)
ICE personnel and agents who were targeted but not injured
Federal agents and officers who responded to the shooting
Immigrant detainees at the facility who were at risk during the attack

What action is being taken

Law enforcement agencies are conducting an ongoing investigation into the shooter's background and motives
ICE and federal agents are being praised for working under fire to evacuate detainees and get them to safety
Officials are speaking out against "violent rhetoric" directed at ICE
Authorities are expressing concern about apps designed to track ICE officers

Why it matters

The attack represents a direct targeting of federal immigration enforcement personnel
The shooting occurs amid escalating tensions around ICE facilities during the Trump administration's increased deportation efforts
The incident is being classified as domestic terrorism by law enforcement officials
The attack highlights security vulnerabilities at immigration facilities
The incident draws attention to anti-government sentiment specifically directed at immigration enforcement

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC