The Department of Homeland Security ordered heightened security measures On Wednesday at ICE facilities across the country.
DALLAS, Texas — A shooting outside an ICE detention facility on Wednesday has raised major concerns about safety for both detainees and federal agents.
Authorities say the suspect, later identified as Joshua Jahn, specifically intended to kill ICE agents. While no agents were injured in the attack, the suspect killed one detainee and injured two others.
The shooting at the Dallas ICE detention center prompted the Department of Homeland Security to order heightened security measures at ICE facilities across the country.
This shooting comes as the agency is being hit by severe criticism, accusing the agency of hurting communities and tearing families apart. Some incidents of ICE detaining U.S. citizens for days have been reported recently.
For people like Dontay Palmer, the shooting hit close to home. Palmer, a Navy veteran, applied to become an ICE agent at a job fair in Arlington last month.
He said the attack initially left him shocked and concerned, but it also reaffirmed his decision to pursue the role.
“I think that’s what we sign up for, and we know the risks and the challenges,” Palmer said.
Another applicant, Justus Gregg, is nearly through the hiring process. He said the incident only motivated him more to step into the job.
“It makes me want to help out even more,” Gregg said. “Our country is under attack. We need more people to stand up.”
On Thursday, officials signaled changes are coming. Homeland Security leaders confirmed there are plans to “harden” facilities.
Former FBI counterterrorism and counterintelligence operative Eric O’Neill told WFAA he expects to see reinforced glass, stronger structures and more barriers placed outside facilities.
“Some of those bullets went through windows in the facility that could’ve wounded someone,” O’Neill said.
While agents are trained to “expect the unexpected,” Wednesday’s shooting has amplified concerns about the risks ICE staff face daily.
For Palmer and Gregg, however, the mission remains clear: Serve their country, despite the dangers.