A violent shooting at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Dallas claimed the lives of two detainees and left another critically injured Wednesday morning. Law enforcement officials reported that the shooter, who targeted the federal office from a nearby rooftop, later died by suicide. Authorities are investigating the motive, with evidence pointing to anti-ICE sentiment.

The attack occurred at the Dallas ICE field office, a hub where agents conduct short-term processing of individuals in federal custody. DHS officials confirmed that no ICE personnel were injured, though the incident sent shockwaves through the local community.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) revealed that ammunition recovered at the scene was marked with anti-ICE messages. FBI Director Kash Patel shared an image on social media showing a bullet labeled “ANTI-ICE,” signaling a politically motivated attack.

According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), “The shooter fired indiscriminately at the ICE building, including at a van in the sally port where detainees were present.” The surviving detainee remains in critical condition at a nearby hospital.

Dallas police responded to reports of gunfire around 6:40 a.m. near the ICE office along North Stemmons Freeway. Preliminary investigations indicate the shooter fired from an adjacent building targeting the federal facility.

Venezuelan immigrant Edwin Cardona described the chaos as he arrived for an ICE appointment with his son. “I heard gunshots and feared for my family outside. Agents quickly secured everyone inside,” Cardona said. Families were later reunited safely.

Traffic disruptions were significant, with the normally busy six-lane freeway near the facility at a standstill for hours. The ICE office is located near Interstate 35 East, southwest of Dallas Love Field Airport, close to hotels frequently used by travelers.

The shooting drew immediate political attention. Vice President JD Vance condemned the attack on social media, stating: “The obsessive attack on law enforcement, particularly ICE, must stop.”

Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) called for an end to inflammatory rhetoric against ICE and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. “To every politician who is using rhetoric, demonizing ICE and CBP: Stop,” Cruz said during a press briefing.

Meanwhile, Democratic Representative Marc Veasey criticized officials for withholding information on the victims’ identities. “If they are trying to control this narrative and downplay that migrants were victims, they are misleading the public,” Veasey told WFAA-TV.

This shooting follows a series of violent attacks targeting immigration enforcement in Texas. Earlier this year, a Fourth of July incident at a Texas detention center injured a police officer.

In Alvarado, southwest of Dallas, attackers dressed in military-style clothing fired on the Prairieland Detention Facility, resulting in federal charges against at least 11 individuals. A separate attack near the U.S.-Mexico border involved a heavily armed man shooting at Border Patrol agents, injuring an officer before authorities killed the attacker.

These incidents highlight the ongoing risks faced by immigration officers and detainees amid politically charged tensions in the United States.

Emergency responders and ICE agents acted quickly to secure the Dallas facility and evacuate civilians. Dozens of police vehicles and fire trucks converged on the area to provide medical aid to the critically injured detainee and ensure the safety of visitors and staff.

DHS has increased security measures at federal immigration offices nationwide following the shooting, emphasizing protection for both personnel and detainees. Residents and commuters were advised to avoid the area as investigations continued.

The Dallas ICE facility shooting underscores the dangers faced by law enforcement and detainees in politically charged environments. Authorities continue to investigate the shooter’s motive, while officials and political leaders call for an end to attacks targeting immigration enforcement personnel.

As the investigation unfolds, the incident raises important questions about security at ICE facilities, the role of political rhetoric in inspiring violence, and the safety of urban communities hosting federal offices.

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