Breaking: Gunman Kills Two Detainees in Dallas ICE Facility

A tragic shooting at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) field office in Dallas, Texas, left two detainees dead and one injured on Wednesday morning. The attack, described by authorities as a targeted act of violence, occurred just after 6:30 a.m. at the facility located on North Stemmons Freeway, near Interstate 35E. The gunman, identified as a white male, opened fire from a nearby rooftop before dying from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. No ICE agents or law enforcement officers were harmed in the incident.

According to the Dallas Police Department, officers responded to an "assist officer" call at approximately 6:40 a.m. The preliminary investigation determined that the shooter fired multiple rounds from an elevated position, targeting a secure entryway known as the sally port, where detainees were being loaded or unloaded from a van. The van, which belonged to another federal agency and was not marked as an ICE vehicle, was carrying detainees at the time of the attack. Three detainees were shot, with one pronounced dead at the scene and a second succumbing to injuries later, as reported by NBC News. The third detainee was transported to Parkland Hospital, though their condition remains undisclosed.

The shooter was found deceased on the roof of an adjacent building, identified by some sources as an immigration attorney's office. FBI Director Kash Patel shared an image on X of unspent shell casings recovered at the scene, one of which was engraved with the phrase "ANTI-ICE," suggesting a possible ideological motive. Joe Rothrock, the FBI's Special Agent in Charge of the Dallas field office, confirmed during a news conference that the attack was being investigated as an "act of targeted violence." Authorities emphasized that the investigation is ongoing, and the shooter's identity and precise motive have not yet been released.

The Dallas ICE field office serves as both an administrative hub and a temporary processing center for detainees, where individuals undergo biometric screening and fingerprinting before being transferred to long-term detention facilities or released. According to a CNN analysis of ICE data, the facility has processed over 8,000 detainees since January 2025, with an average of 47 people held daily for approximately seven hours. The shooting occurred during a detainee transfer, a routine operation that may have been observed by the gunman, as suggested by Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin.

The incident marks the latest in a series of violent attacks on ICE facilities in Texas. In July 2025, a police officer was shot at the Prairieland Detention Center in Alvarado, Texas, and another shooting targeted a Border Patrol facility in McAllen. These events, coupled with a bomb threat at the Dallas ICE facility on August 25, 2025, have heightened concerns about escalating violence against immigration enforcement. Acting ICE Director Joshua Johnson addressed the pattern, stating, "This is the second time I've had to stand in front of you and talk about a shooter at one of my facilities. The rhetoric has to stop. People are losing their lives."

Public officials expressed outrage and condolences. Vice President JD Vance called the shooting an "obsessive attack on law enforcement" that "must stop," while Texas Governor Greg Abbott described it as an "assassination" and vowed that it would not deter ICE operations. U.S. Senator John Cornyn labeled the incident "horrific," pledging support for a thorough investigation. Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson urged residents to remain calm and pray for the victims, emphasizing the need for patience as law enforcement continues its work.

The FBI, DHS, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) are assisting the Dallas Police Department in the investigation. Authorities have appealed to the public for information, with Rothrock stating, "If any member of the public has information that would help the FBI's investigation, I would ask that you please report that to 1-800-CALL-FBI."

The shooting has reignited debates over gun violence and immigration policy. Former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, a gun violence prevention advocate, condemned the attack, stating, "Violent extremism, hatred, and easy access to guns are a deadly combination. It’s inexcusable that in America, the government's failure to address this crisis puts both detainees and its own law enforcement personnel at risk."

The area around the ICE facility, located just southwest of Dallas Love Field airport, was locked down for hours, causing significant traffic disruptions along Interstate 35E. The scene remains active as investigators work to uncover the full circumstances of this tragic event.

This is a developing story, and further updates will be provided as new information emerges.