Dallas ICE shooting: Gunman kills two migrants before dying; investigation flags possible ideological motive
The attacker, identified as Joshua Jahn, fired from a rooftop near a Dallas ICE facility, killing two migrants and wounding a third before shooting himself as officers arrived; the shooter’s mother had posted anti-gun-rights rhetoric onl…
A gunman opened fire early Wednesday at a Dallas Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office, killing two migrants and wounding a third before fatally shooting himself as officers closed in. The attacker, 29-year-old Joshua Jahn of Allen, Texas, fired from an elevated position near the facility and struck a transport van carrying migrants. The victims were detainees; no law enforcement officers were injured.
Investigators said the initial review points to an ideological motive, with authorities noting evidence suggesting anti-law enforcement sentiment. Federal and local investigators recovered ammunition at the scene, and authorities said images show shells marked with what appears to say anti-ICE in blue ink. Officials stressed that the investigation is ongoing as they piece together Jahn’s exact motives and any connections to broader political rhetoric.
Neighbors and family described Jahn’s background. He grew up in Allen, Texas, with siblings, and had a 2015 mugshot on file for delivering marijuana in an amount greater than 1/4 ounce. He was unemployed at the time of the shooting and had previously worked as a coder; authorities say he was living with his parents in Oklahoma and had planned to move back in with them. State records show Jahn was a registered independent in the 2024 election but had last voted in Democratic primaries in March 2020.
The shooter’s family situation has been a focus of discussants since the incident. Noah Jahn, Joshua’s brother, told NBC News that he did not believe his brother was especially interested in politics and had not voiced opinions on immigration before the attack. The siblings reportedly spent their childhood in Allen and participated in Boy Scouts, and Noah said Joshua knew how to use a rifle but was not a skilled marksman.
The gunman’s mother, Sharon Jahn, was described by associates as a hardline liberal who openly criticized gun rights and targeted Republican officials over mass shootings. The Independent reported that she maintained an active Facebook page following figures such as Kamala Harris and outlets associated with the Democratic side of the spectrum; after the 2022 Uvalde mass shooting, she posted a lengthy rant challenging Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn as well as Governor Greg Abbott for supporting gun rights. The post included lines such as: "Governor Abbott, Senator Cornyn and Senator Cruz how does it make you feel that your action to open up gun laws is responsible for the killing of 21 more people? Do you secretly sit in front of a tv and smile a demented smile? You must be proud of all the money that sits in your bank accounts from gun lobby support. Was it worth it, Governor Abbott? How about you senators?" She also wrote: "When you prioritize money over people this is what you get," and referenced a poem about melting guns for a new world for future generations. The Independent noted that Sharon Jahn sobbed when approached by reporters shortly after the shooting but declined to speak further.
Law enforcement officials described the victims as migrants in ICE custody. The attack occurred around 7 a.m. local time, with Jahn firing from an elevated position and targeting the migrants as they were being transported in an unmarked ICE van. Investigators said Jahn was found on the roof of a nearby immigration attorney’s office after the shooting. Officials emphasized that the investigation remains active as investigators look for any ties to organized groups or additional planning.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton characterized the incident as an attack on ICE and law enforcement, saying he would support efforts to counter violence against federal agents. Senator Ted Cruz urged a reckoning on political rhetoric that could inspire violence, saying, "We should not be putting language out there that inspires mad men to commit evil crimes. Stop it, please." Cruz, who cited a recent political assassination in Utah in discussing the broader climate, stressed the need to reduce incendiary rhetoric. Senator JD Vance also weighed in, calling for an end to attacks on law enforcement and stressing the importance of protecting those who enforce the law.
As the investigation continues, authorities are examining whether Jahn acted alone and whether any online activity or personal grievances connected to anti-ICE sentiment influenced the attack. The shooting underscores ongoing concerns about violence directed at immigration facilities and the broader national debate over immigration policy and public safety. Officials said more details would be released as they become available, and they urged the public to await formal statements from investigators rather than drawing premature conclusions about motive. The incident occurred at a time of heightened attention to political rhetoric and its potential impact on real-world violence, the implications of which are likely to fuel debates on security, gun policy, and the resilience of law enforcement response.