The quiet of a Dallas morning was shattered when gunfire erupted near an ICE detention center, leaving two detainees dead and a third seriously injured.
Officials have identified the alleged shooter as 28-year-old Joshua Jahn, whose actions have left the city reeling.
The horrific attack occurred as migrants were being transported in an unmarked ICE van.
Jahn reportedly fired from a roof adjacent to the facility, raining bullets down on the detainees.
While authorities are still investigating the motive, early indications suggest anti-law enforcement sentiment may have played a role.
Details Emerge About Alleged Shooter Joshua Jahn
Joshua Jahn, a Texas native, had a criminal record dating back to 2016, including felony charges related to marijuana distribution.
At the time of the shooting, he was unemployed, though he had previously worked as a coder.
Jahn also had a troubling poster displayed on his car showing a map of “radioactive fallout” from nuclear detonations across the U.S., mostly concentrated on the West Coast.
A bullet casing recovered at the scene had the engraving “anti-ICE,” hinting at potential motivations.
Election records show Jahn had last voted in the Democratic primaries in 2020 and was registered as an independent in 2024.
Family Speaks Out About Jahn’s Background
Jahn’s brother, Noah, told NBC News that he did not believe his sibling was politically active or particularly interested in immigration issues.
“He didn’t have strong feelings about ICE as far as I knew,” Noah said. “I didn’t think he was politically interested.”
The brothers grew up in Allen, Texas, participating in Boy Scouts and sharing a typical suburban childhood.
Noah described his brother as “unique” but insisted that he was not a skilled marksman, casting doubt on how he carried out the attack.
Witness Accounts Describe Terrifying Moments
Arianny Sierra, a witness, recalled waiting in her car for her husband outside the ICE facility when she heard a volley of gunfire.
“The shots began around 6:10 a.m. There were like 20 shots in a row,” she said. Thankfully, no law enforcement officers were injured during the shooting.
Authorities confirmed that the gunfire came from an elevated position, targeting the transport van carrying detainees.
Homeland Security reported the death toll at two, with a third victim in critical condition.
Officials Respond to Tragedy
Texas Governor Greg Abbott described the attack as “horrific” and “cowardly” and emphasized that the shooting would not disrupt ongoing efforts to enforce immigration law.
“We will not let this cowardly attack impede our efforts to secure the border, enforce immigration law, and ensure law and order,” he said in a statement.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities continue to investigate Jahn’s motives and the circumstances surrounding the attack.
With Jahn’s disturbing social media activity, past criminal record, and the chilling “anti-ICE” engraving, investigators are piecing together the events that led to the deadly shooting.
Federal and state officials remain on high alert as they work to ensure the safety of the community and ICE personnel.