(DALLAS, TEXAS) Three people were shot Wednesday at a Dallas ICE facility, and the suspected gunman died by a self-inflicted gunshot on the building’s roof, according to law enforcement and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. The September 24, 2025 attack unfolded in the facility’s sallyport, an area used to transfer detainees, and involved “sniper-type” fire from a rooftop position. Officials said the motive is still unknown, and investigators are working to confirm the identities and roles of those hit in the shooting.
Secretary Noem said multiple people were injured and that there were fatalities, adding that details are still emerging. Authorities confirmed the shooter’s death as a shooter suicide on the rooftop. At least one victim was rushed to the hospital, while others were treated on scene; officials have not yet said whether the victims were ICE personnel, contractors, or detainees. The identity of the suspected gunman—described by officials as a man in his 20s or 30s—has not been released.
Security teams moved quickly to lock down the Dallas ICE facility and sweep for any additional threats or potential accomplices. Law enforcement teams are checking all buildings and transfer lanes to ensure the area is secure. Investigators said they will review the shooter’s background, including social media activity and possible connections, as part of the ongoing probe.
What officials have confirmed so far
- Location: Sallyport area of the Dallas ICE facility, where detainees are typically transferred.
- Casualties: At least three people were shot; officials report fatalities among the victims, while others were transported to the hospital.
- Shooter status: The suspected gunman died by suicide on the roof; officials described the attack as “sniper-type” fire.
- Motive: Unknown; investigation is ongoing.
- Security posture: Authorities are conducting full sweeps of the site; facilities nationwide may be placed on heightened alert while the investigation continues.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, when shootings target federal detention or transfer points, agencies often raise security levels across multiple sites until investigators rule out wider threats. That could mean:
- Added screening
- Restricted movement inside facilities
- Temporary changes to transfer schedules while officers complete safety checks
Investigation and security response
While the motive remains unclear, officials said there is no indication at this stage of a continuing threat at the Dallas ICE facility beyond the deceased shooter. Still, out of caution, law enforcement is running layered checks, including:
- Rooftop surveys
- Controlled access point inspections
- Secondary searches of vehicles and staging zones in and around the sallyport
Investigators are focusing on three immediate questions:
- How the shooter accessed the roof and selected the vantage point over the sallyport, an area with regular movement of staff, vehicles, and detainees.
- Whether the weapon used and the firing pattern suggest planning specific to transfer windows or shift changes.
- Any signs of online activity or communications that point to ideology, grievances, or personal issues tied to the attack.
Officials said the full review will take time. That process typically involves:
- Surveillance footage review
- Ballistic analysis
- Witness interviews
- Digital forensics to trace the gunman’s path and intent
The early description of “sniper-type” fire implies a controlled, elevated position and deliberate targeting of the transfer area. However, authorities emphasized they have not yet determined whether the attack focused on particular individuals or on the facility generally.
This marks the second recent shooting tied to an ICE facility, with a prior incident reported in the El Paso area. The repetition within a short period raises concern among staff and detainees about safety during transfers, which are often the busiest and most exposed moments in daily operations.
For official updates, readers can monitor U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s website at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Officials urged patience as they confirm victim identities and notify families before releasing more details publicly.
Facility context and impact on people inside
The sallyport is a controlled passage where vehicles and detainees move between secure and non-secure areas. It is designed with barriers and checkpoints, but any open-air segment can be exposed to higher ground. That structure explains why an attack from a rooftop could create wide risk during a transfer window.
In Dallas, the immediate aftermath of the shooting saw rapid lockdown steps:
- Gates secured
- Movement halted
- Personnel repositioned to cover entries and exits
Such actions aim to prevent confusion, protect medical responders, and keep people away from open lines of fire until officers clear the scene.
How people inside are affected
- Detainees may worry about future transfers or court trips, fearing they could become targets while moving through the sallyport.
- Officers, medical staff, and contractors may experience shock and fatigue while maintaining security and helping the injured.
- Families on the outside often struggle with limited information until officials confirm victim identities and contact next of kin.
Authorities have not released the names or roles of the people shot. As that information becomes available, officials are expected to outline any temporary changes in Dallas operations, including the status of transfers and visitation procedures. VisaVerge.com reports that agencies often conduct after-action reviews to adjust guard posts, camera angles, and rooftop access controls following an incident like this.
Safety implications and possible changes
The Dallas shooting will likely factor into broader discussions about safety at federal detention sites, especially the balance between access for daily operations and protection against elevated attacks.
Potential mitigation steps under review may include:
- Hardening roof access
- Adding shields along exposed walkways
- Revising transfer timing and staffing patterns
Such measures can reduce risk but also affect schedules and staffing. Officials said they will examine whether the shooter knew the facility’s routines. That review includes:
- Work logs
- Transport schedules
- Any social media posts that may show pre-planning
If the timeline suggests the gunman tracked activity around the sallyport, investigators will seek whether that knowledge came from public observation, online content, or personal connections.
Current status and next steps
While the attack’s motive is still unknown, the confirmed facts remain stark: a targeted shooting at a Dallas ICE facility, three people struck by gunfire, and a shooter suicide on the roof. The priority now is:
- Caring for the injured
- Supporting families
- Documenting every step of the response to strengthen safety going forward
Officials said the review will determine whether facilities nationwide should stay on heightened alert or return to normal posture.
This is a developing story. Authorities said more information will be released once notifications are complete and preliminary findings are ready.
This Article in a Nutshell
A sniper-style attack on September 24, 2025, at the Dallas ICE facility’s sallyport left three people shot and produced fatalities; the suspected shooter died by suicide on the roof. Authorities secured and swept the site, treating wounded on scene and transporting at least one person to hospital. Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage, ballistics, witness statements, and digital evidence to determine motive, identify victims and confirm how the shooter accessed the rooftop vantage point. Officials warned facilities nationwide may raise security levels and are considering measures like harder roof access, revised transfer timing, and additional screening while notifying families and continuing the probe.
