One person was killed and two others injured in a shooting at a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) field office in Dallas on Wednesday morning, officials confirmed.
Authorities reported that the suspected shooter died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the scene, ending the immediate threat. Dallas police said officers responded to the incident at approximately 6:40 a.m., after receiving reports of gunfire from an adjacent building.
“The preliminary investigation determined that a suspect opened fire at a government building from an adjacent building,” the Dallas Police Department stated. “Two people were transported to the hospital with gunshot wounds. One victim died at the scene. The suspect is deceased.”
FBI officials indicated that shell casings recovered near the suspected shooter contained messages expressing anti-ICE sentiments. One unspent shell casing was engraved with the words “ANTI ICE,” according to a post by FBI Director Kash Patel.
The Bureau is treating the incident as a targeted act of violence, and the investigation is ongoing. Authorities have not released the identities of the victims, but confirmed that no law enforcement officers were injured during the attack.
At a news conference, Joe Rothrock, head of the FBI’s Dallas Field Office, emphasized the targeted nature of the shooting, stating that the recovered rounds contained anti-ICE engravings, highlighting the potential political motivation behind the attack.
Law enforcement officials also confirmed that two of the victims were ICE detainees at the facility, underscoring the concern over targeted attacks on immigration enforcement operations.
Texas Republican Senator Ted Cruz condemned the attack as “politically motivated violence,” noting that it marked the third shooting in the state directed at ICE or Customs and Border Protection personnel. He called for calm and a thorough investigation to prevent further incidents targeting federal law enforcement.
Parkland Hospital in Dallas confirmed that it received two patients from the shooting, though hospital officials did not provide details on their conditions.
The Department of Homeland Security, through Secretary Kristi Noem, confirmed the suspected shooter had died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound and stated that details were “still emerging” while emphasizing that multiple injuries and fatalities had occurred.
“While we don’t know the motive yet, we know that our ICE law enforcement is facing unprecedented violence against them,” Noem said. “It must stop.”
Todd Lyons, acting ICE director, stated that the scene was secure and confirmed that all three victims were taken to the hospital. Dan Bongino, Deputy Director of the FBI, said the agency was fully engaged at the scene in conjunction with state and federal law enforcement partners.
JD Vance, Vice President, described the attack as an “obsessive attack on law enforcement” that “must stop,” while emphasizing the need to protect federal officers.
Senator John Cornyn also described the incident as “horrific” and pledged support for federal and local officials investigating the attack.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott affirmed that the state fully supports ICE operations, stating that the attack would not impede ongoing arrest, detention, and deportation efforts. Abbott stressed cooperation with ICE and the Dallas Police Department to determine the shooter’s motive.
Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson urged residents to remain calm and patient, emphasizing that law enforcement agencies were fully managing the situation. He highlighted the importance of allowing investigators to conduct a thorough review to ensure public safety.
This shooting adds to a series of attacks in Texas targeting federal immigration enforcement agencies. The context of rising tensions around immigration policies has heightened concern among officials, who stress the importance of security at ICE facilities and other government buildings.
Authorities have not yet released information regarding the motive or potential affiliations of the suspected shooter, though preliminary evidence suggests anti-ICE sentiment may have played a role.
The incident also raises broader questions about the safety of detainees and staff at federal immigration facilities. Officials have reiterated the need for heightened security protocols and continued vigilance in the wake of politically motivated violence.
Statements from federal and state leaders underscore the seriousness of the attack and the potential risks faced by both law enforcement personnel and detained individuals.
As the investigation continues, authorities are examining surveillance footage, ballistic evidence, and communications to reconstruct the events leading to the shooting. Federal and local law enforcement agencies are working closely to determine whether additional threats exist, and to prevent similar attacks in the future.
This latest attack comes amid ongoing national debate over immigration enforcement policies and the role of ICE in detaining individuals who are in the United States unlawfully.
The political and social implications of attacks on ICE facilities continue to be a point of contention among policymakers, law enforcement, and community advocates.
Officials have urged the public to provide any relevant information to aid in the investigation and have called for calm as law enforcement continues to assess the situation.
While the identities of the victims have not been released, statements from hospital authorities and federal agencies indicate that all survivors are receiving medical attention.
The Dallas ICE shooting highlights the challenges faced by federal law enforcement in operating immigration facilities, particularly in politically charged environments.
Authorities emphasize the need for comprehensive safety measures to protect both staff and detainees while maintaining the functions of federal immigration enforcement.
Lawmakers and officials at all levels have condemned the attack, with a unified message that politically motivated violence against government employees will not be tolerated.
The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing tensions surrounding immigration policies in the United States and the potential for violence in high-stakes enforcement contexts.
As investigators continue to piece together the events of the morning, the broader conversation around immigration enforcement, detainee safety, and the prevention of politically motivated attacks is likely to intensify, with implications for federal, state, and local authorities managing immigration and law enforcement operations across the country.
