'Now We're More Afraid': Dallas' Immigrant Community on Edge After ICE Shooting

A Community in Fear After a Tragic Shooting at an ICE Facility

In Dallas, the emotional weight of fear and uncertainty has settled heavily on the shoulders of the immigrant community. Jonathan García, a migrant from Venezuela, was among those who felt this fear most acutely. As he clutched a folder containing his immigration documents, tears streamed down his face. The heat of the Dallas summer contrasted sharply with the cold dread that gripped him. This wasn’t just about the possibility of deportation—it was about the threat of violence that could end his life.

Just one day before, a sniper had opened fire from a nearby rooftop on the ICE detention center located on Stemmons Freeway. The attack left one person dead and two injured, before the shooter took his own life. While authorities have stated that the attacker, identified as 29-year-old Joshua Jahn from Fairview, targeted ICE employees, all the victims were immigrants like García.

This tragic event has reignited divisive political debates and fueled renewed tensions. For the immigrant community and law enforcement—especially ICE agents—it serves as a painful reminder of the dangers they face daily. García described his fear vividly, explaining how he feels isolated when he goes to check-ins alone, leaving his family behind. He is afraid of being out on the streets without knowing what might happen to them.

García, originally from Maracay, Venezuela, arrived in the United States two years ago with his wife and two children. Their journey involved crossing the Darien jungle and then Mexico, finally reaching North America. Now, the fear of violence adds another layer to his anxiety. He spoke about how he had been nervous about his upcoming check-in date for days. Though he plans to rest over the weekend, he knows that Monday brings the return to the same place where he feels vulnerable.

Noraida Ramírez was inside the ICE offices during the attack. Her husband was waiting outside in their car when the shooting began. The most terrifying moment for her was when she heard the gunshots and couldn’t communicate with her husband because, upon entering the offices, federal officers take people’s phones. This left the couple cut off from each other, not knowing what was happening.

Ramírez, also from Venezuela, shared her fears of deportation. She explained that now, after the attack, their fear has grown even more. “We are even more afraid with everything that has happened,” she said.

The Dallas Morning News made multiple attempts to speak with ICE agents about the targeting of their personnel but received no response. Nancy Larson, the Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, emphasized that Jahn had written notes expressing his intent to "maximize lethality" against ICE employees. She stressed that the evidence clearly indicated he was targeting them.

Marcos Charles, the Executive Associate Director for ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations, highlighted the heightened sense of security among both agents and their families. Sarah Saldaña, former director of ICE under the Obama administration, noted that immigration agents have always faced risks. She pointed out that going to someone’s home early in the morning to arrest them can be dangerous, as can working or visiting an ICE facility.

Yoherkis Garcés, a Venezuelan woman who has lived in Dallas for two years, was inside the ICE offices when the shooting occurred. She described the initial confusion when the first shot rang out, thinking it was fireworks. However, within minutes, a barrage of gunfire confirmed it was an attack. She recounted how agents moved everyone to a safer area, where they remained for several hours until it was safe to leave. Even now, her hand still trembles from the fear of that day.

For many, the fear of violence is compounded by the fear of deportation. Garcés expressed concern about missing her check-in this month, fearing that without the signature, she may not be allowed to stay. “It’s a huge fear we all have right now,” she said.

Outside Parkland Hospital in Dallas, where at least one of the injured was treated, about 30 people gathered for a vigil for the victims. Janet Martínez led the prayers, asking that those with eyes not see her, those with feet not reach for her, and those with hands not touch her. Martínez is part of Vecinos Unidos DFW, a grassroots organization that supports migrants dealing with federal authorities.

Noemí Ríos, a founder of the group, criticized the lack of transparency from authorities. She pointed out that the focus on who was targeted instead of who was actually shot has added to the community's distrust. “They dehumanize you. You are not only killed, you are erased,” she said.

Federal authorities have not yet released the names of the deceased and injured. However, a local Spanish-language station confirmed the identity of Mexican Miguel Angel Garcia as one of the injured. Azael Alvarez of El Movimiento DFW urged community representatives to demand answers from local officials, emphasizing the need for support for immigrants who are trying to follow legal procedures.

Tony Rodríguez of Brown Berets DFW, an organization that alerts communities about ICE presence, said the fear extends beyond the threat of federal agents. “People are afraid that other people will attack them,” he said.

Authorities found evidence that Jahn targeted ICE agents, including a bullet with the message “anti-ICE” and notes detailing his plan. This incident follows a similar attack at the Prairieland Detention Center on July 4, which was described as a “planned ambush.” In August, a man was arrested for allegedly claiming to have a bomb in his backpack.

Marcos Charles called for an end to rhetoric that vilifies ICE agents. “We call on those who foment violence and vilify our law enforcement officers to cease the dangerous rhetoric,” he said. He also urged Americans to report any suspicious activity.

The ongoing rhetoric surrounding ICE enforcement operations has contributed to a climate of fear, not only for immigrants but for law enforcement as well. This tragedy underscores the deep-seated anxieties that continue to shape the experiences of those navigating the immigration system.