Inside the Dallas ICE shooting: Who was Joshua Jahn and why did he attack?

The FBI has identified 29-year-old Joshua Jahn as the suspected gunman behind the deadly shooting at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Dallas, Texas. Authorities say Jahn opened fire “indiscriminately” from a nearby rooftop on Wednesday morning, killing two detainees and critically injuring another before turning the weapon on himself.

The incident, described by federal officials as an act of “targeted violence”, has sparked a heated national debate over political rhetoric, immigration enforcement, and the safety of federal facilities.

The Shooting: What Happened at the Dallas ICE Facility?

According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Jahn positioned himself on a rooftop across from the ICE field office and began shooting into the facility at around 6:40 a.m. local time.

• Victims: Two detainees were killed, and a third remains hospitalized in serious condition. None were ICE agents.
• Casings: FBI Director Kash Patel revealed bullet casings marked with “ANTI-ICE” messages were found near Jahn’s position.
• Shooter: Authorities confirmed Jahn died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the scene.

ICE Deputy Director Madison Sheahan said bullets were found throughout the building, calling the attack “a very dangerous situation” that could have claimed even more lives.

Who Was Joshua Jahn?

Public records show Jahn lived in a Dallas suburb. His past includes a 2016 felony marijuana delivery charge, for which he received probation.

The 29 years old had a deferred felony charge at age 19 for delivering more than one-fourth ounce of marijuana. Records indicate Jahn voted in the 2020 Democratic primary, but has not voted since

Authorities have not released a confirmed motive, but the “ANTI-ICE” inscriptions on bullet casings suggest political intent. While investigators continue piecing together Jahn’s background, officials have said early evidence indicates political motivation may have played a role.

Political Reactions: Rhetoric and Blame

The attack has prompted sharp partisan reactions.

• Vice President JD Vance directly blamed “inflammatory rhetoric” from Democratic leaders and left-leaning media, saying such attacks are encouraged when ICE is “vilified.”
• Texas Gov. Greg Abbott vowed immigration enforcement efforts would continue “without interruption.”
• Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson condemned the attack as “an assault on the entire community” and urged unity.
• Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem called the shooting “a wake-up call” against rhetoric demonizing ICE officers.
• Sen. Ted Cruz described it as the third Texas shooting targeting ICE or CBP in recent years, urging politicians to stop “demonizing law enforcement.”

The attack has reignited debate about immigration policy, political discourse, and accountability for violence tied to ideology.

Fallout and Investigation

The FBI is leading the investigation, treating the shooting as an act of domestic terrorism. Officials are working to identify any connections Jahn may have had to extremist networks or groups.

Meanwhile, families of the detainee victims are being notified, and ICE has confirmed that its operations will not be disrupted despite the attack.

FAQ on Joshua Jahn and the Dallas ICE Shooting

Q1: Who was Joshua Jahn?

A: Joshua Jahn, 29, has been identified as the shooter behind the Dallas ICE facility attack. He previously lived in a Dallas suburb and had a 2016 felony drug charge.

Q2: What happened in the Dallas ICE facility shooting?

A: Jahn fired from a rooftop into the ICE facility on Sept. 24, 2025, killing two detainees and critically injuring one before dying by suicide.

Q3: What was written on the bullet casings found near Joshua Jahn?

A: FBI Director Kash Patel revealed that some bullet casings had “ANTI-ICE” written on them, suggesting the attack was politically motivated.

Q4: Were ICE agents targeted in the shooting?

A: No ICE agents were injured. All victims were detainees awaiting transfer to a long-term facility.

Q5: Did Joshua Jahn have a criminal record?

A: Yes. In 2016, Jahn was charged with delivering marijuana, a state jail felony in Texas. He pleaded guilty and was placed on probation.

Q6: Was Joshua Jahn politically affiliated?

A: Voting records show he participated in the 2020 Democratic primary but has not voted since. Officials have not confirmed direct political ties.

Q7: How did leaders respond to the Dallas ICE shooting?

A: Vice President JD Vance and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem blamed left-wing rhetoric, while Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson and others condemned political violence broadly.

Q8: What is the FBI’s stance on the shooting?

A: The FBI is investigating the attack as an act of targeted violence and possible domestic terrorism.

Q9: Who were the victims of the Dallas ICE shooting?

A: The victims were three detainees in ICE custody, two were killed, and one is in critical condition.

Q10: Will this affect ICE operations in Texas?

A: No. Gov. Greg Abbott and ICE officials have stated immigration enforcement and deportation efforts will continue “without interruption.”