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An armed attack on a facility of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Dallas left two immigrants dead and at least one seriously injured on Wednesday, according to initial reports from Homeland Security.
According to the authorities in the United States, no law enforcement agents were injured. The shooting occurred around 6:40 AM this Wednesday.
Preliminarily, a spokesperson from the Department of Homeland Security indicated that two detainees died and another was in critical condition; later, at a press conference, the FBI and the Dallas police clarified that there were no agents among the victims and that the incident is being investigated as a case of “selective violence.”
Reports from EFE detailed that the suspect fired from a nearby building at the ICE headquarters in northeast Dallas and died from a self-inflicted wound. So far, the identities of the deceased and the attacker have not been released.
In parallel, the FBI's office released indications of a possible ideological motive: among the recovered evidence there might be a cartridge engraved with the phrase "ANTI ICE", according to a post by the bureau's director on X, who classified the events as part of a series of politically motivated attacks against law enforcement agencies.
The ICE facility in Dallas is a temporary holding point that, during the first six months of the current administration, accommodated more than 8,000 individuals, with an average stay of 14 hours before being transferred to other facilities.
In June, the agency modified its policy to allow holds of up to 72 hours at offices such as the one in Dallas.
The attack adds to other incidents recorded this year in Texas: in July, a shooting outside a detention center in Alvarado left a police officer injured; and, that same month, federal agents shot and killed a man who opened fire on a Border Patrol building in McAllen. Federal and state authorities have condemned the escalation of violence.
The investigations—led by the FBI with support from the Dallas police—are ongoing to confirm the final victim count, establish a motive, and reconstruct step by step how the attack unfolded.
Several migrants in detention centers in Texas have begun hunger strikes to protest the conditions in which they are held and the lack of clarity regarding their immigration status.
Strikes aim to draw attention to the human rights violations they face, while agents force dozens of detainees to be deported to Mexico.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Shooting at the ICE Facility in Texas
What happened in the shooting at the ICE facility in Dallas?
An armed attack on an ICE facility in Dallas left two immigrants dead and at least one seriously injured. The suspect fired from a nearby building and then took his own life. Authorities are investigating the incident as an episode of targeted violence with possible political motivations.
What was the possible motivation behind the attack on the ICE facility?
According to the evidence recovered by the FBI, there may be an ideological motivation behind the attack, as a cartridge with the phrase "ANTI ICE" engraved was found. The attack is being investigated as part of a series of politically motivated attacks against law enforcement.
What measures has the ICE taken in response to the violence and criticism of its management?
The ICE has faced criticism for the conditions in its detention centers and the management of security. In response to the escalation of violence, authorities have strengthened security and are investigating the attacks as targeted violence. Additionally, the ICE defends its protocols for detainee care, although it faces allegations of negligence and mistreatment.
How has the United States government responded to the attacks on immigration facilities?
The government has condemned the attacks and reinforced security measures at immigration facilities. The need to moderate the rhetoric against ICE to prevent these incidents from recurring has been emphasized. Federal and state authorities continue to investigate to clarify the motives and prevent future attacks.
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