Deadly shooting at Dallas ICE center leaves 2 dead: Who was the gunman?

A sniper attack at a Dallas ICE facility on Wednesday morning left two detainees dead, one critically injured, and the suspect deceased, law enforcement confirmed.

The shooting happened just after 6:30 a.m. near the 8100 block of North Stemmons Freeway. Investigators say the gunman, a white male armed with a rifle, opened fire from the roof of a nearby building into an unmarked ICE transport van before turning the weapon on himself as agents closed in.

What Happened at the Dallas ICE Facility?

According to the FBI and Dallas Police Department, the sniper fired directly into a transport van carrying ICE detainees. Two victims died at the scene, while a third was rushed to Parkland Hospital in critical condition.

The suspect has not yet been formally identified, but investigators believe they know his identity and are working to verify it.

Officials React to the ICE Shooting

The incident has prompted strong reactions from Texas leaders and national officials.

• Gov. Greg Abbott vowed Texas would fully support ICE, saying the shooting would not “slow arrests, detentions, or deportations.”
• Sen. John Cornyn called the attack “horrific” and promised a full investigation.
• Sen. Ted Cruz said his office was closely monitoring the situation, while Attorney General Ken Paxton called it “deeply disturbing.”
• Vice President JD Vance and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem also condemned the attack.

Local leaders, including Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson and Congressman Marc Veasey, expressed condolences to the victims’ families.

Victims and Ongoing Investigation

FBI sources confirmed the shooter targeted detainees being transported into the facility. The identities of the victims have not been released pending notification of families.

Authorities have closed portions of I-35E as they continue their investigation, with bomb squads and tactical units sweeping the surrounding area to rule out additional threats.

Officials stressed that the motive remains unclear, though the shooting follows a series of recent attacks and threats on ICE facilities in Texas.

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Pattern of Violence Against ICE Facilities

The Dallas incident comes just weeks after:

• A bomb threat at the same ICE facility in late August, where a man was arrested for claiming to have explosives.
• A violent attack on an ICE detention center in Alvarado on July 4, where assailants opened fire on correctional officers, injuring a police officer.

These events underscore growing concerns over targeted violence against ICE operations in Texas.

What’s Next?

Federal and local officials pledged a thorough investigation into the sniper’s actions, background, and possible connections to earlier incidents.

As the FBI continues its probe, leaders emphasized that ICE operations in Dallas and across Texas will remain active despite the attack.

FAQ on Dallas ICE Shooting

Q1: What happened at the Dallas ICE facility?

A: A sniper opened fire into a transport van at the Dallas ICE facility on September 24, 2025, killing two detainees, critically injuring one, and later dying by suicide.

Q2: How many victims were there in the Dallas ICE shooting?

A: Three ICE detainees were shot. Two died at the scene, and one remains hospitalized in critical condition.

Q3: Who was the Dallas ICE shooter?

A: The suspect, described as a white male, has not yet been officially identified. Investigators say he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Q4: What was the shooter’s motive?

A: The motive is still under investigation. Authorities have not linked the suspect to any specific group, but the attack follows recent threats and violence targeting ICE in Texas.

Q5: How did officials respond?

A: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, Sen. John Cornyn, Sen. Ted Cruz, and federal leaders including Vice President JD Vance and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem condemned the attack and promised support for ICE.

Q6: Were ICE operations suspended after the shooting?

A: No. Gov. Abbott and ICE officials confirmed that detentions and deportations will continue despite the attack.

Q7: Is this the first attack on ICE facilities in Texas?

A: No. In recent months, a bomb threat at the Dallas ICE office and an armed ambush at the Alvarado ICE detention center have raised security concerns.

Q8: Where were the victims taken?

A: The surviving detainee was rushed to Parkland Hospital in Dallas, where he remains in critical condition.

Q9: What roads were closed after the shooting?

A: Portions of I-35E near Empire Central were shut down during the investigation but have since reopened in phases.

Q10: What happens next in the investigation?

A: The FBI and Dallas Police continue to verify the shooter’s identity, examine his background, and investigate possible links to prior ICE facility threats.