DALLAS, Texas — A shocking act of violence unfolded early Wednesday morning at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Dallas, leaving one detainee dead and two others critically wounded. Authorities identified the gunman as 29-year-old Joshua Jahn, who later died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound as law enforcement closed in on him.
The shooting began around 6:40 a.m. at the ICE office located at 8101 North Stemmons Freeway, near Interstate 35E. Investigators say Jahn positioned himself on the roof of a nearby building and opened fire with an 8mm bolt-action rifle, striking a transport van carrying detainees. ICE confirmed that agents and ATF officers rushed into active gunfire to pull survivors to safety, a move authorities say likely prevented further casualties.
The Dallas County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the deceased as Norlan Guzman-Fuentes, 37, of El Salvador, ruling his death a homicide. Two other detainees remain hospitalized in critical condition: Miguel Ángel García, a Mexican national currently on life support, and José Andrés Bordones-Molina, a Venezuelan national. The Mexican Consulate General in Dallas confirmed it has contacted García’s family and is providing support. Officials noted that other detainees in the van were unharmed.
Investigators believe Jahn’s primary target was ICE personnel. FBI Special Agent in Charge Joe Rothrock revealed that recovered ammunition bore anti-ICE messages, and materials seized from Jahn’s home included handwritten notes detailing his plan of attack. Acting U.S. Attorney Nancy Larson described the assault as “the very definition of terrorism,” highlighting the irony that detainees—whom Jahn claimed he did not wish to harm—became the victims.
Authorities say Jahn conducted weeks of research prior to the attack. Evidence shows he downloaded a Dallas County Homeland Security document, searched online for ballistics data, and used apps to track ICE personnel. Investigators also discovered a ladder attached to his vehicle, which they believe was used to reach the rooftop firing position. Despite his meticulous planning, officials say he acted alone and no ICE officers were injured in the incident.
The tragedy has drawn sharp concern from law enforcement and the community. While friends from Jahn’s past described him as quiet and apolitical, his writings suggested a calculated effort to instill fear among ICE officers. Federal agencies, including the FBI, ATF, and ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations, continue to investigate Jahn’s background, firearms access, and motives. Officials emphasize that while his attack was aimed at ICE, it left detainees dead and critically injured—an outcome Larson called a “sobering reminder” of the dangers federal officers face each day.