A tragic act of violence unfolded Wednesday morning at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) field office in Dallas, Texas. Authorities say a gunman opened fire from a nearby rooftop, targeting a transport van carrying ICE detainees. Three people were shot, one of them fatally, and the suspect later died of a self-inflicted wound as police closed in.
According to the Daily Mail, officials reported that “bullets found by the shooter’s body were engraved with ‘anti-ICE messages.’” The FBI confirmed at a press conference that “rounds that were found near the suspected shooter contain messages that are anti-Ice in nature.” Authorities are investigating the incident as an act of targeted violence.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem responded quickly, acknowledging the seriousness of the attack: “While we don’t know motive yet, we know that our ICE law enforcement is facing unprecedented violence against them. It must stop. Please pray for the victims and their families” (Daily Mail).
Texas officials echoed her concern. Governor Greg Abbott stated, “This assassination will NOT slow our arrest, detention, & deportation of illegal immigrants. We will work with ICE & the Dallas Police Dept. to get to the bottom of the assassin’s motive,” according to The Guardian.
While no ICE agents were harmed, all three victims were detainees in ICE custody, according to statements reported by The Guardian. Parkland Hospital in Dallas confirmed it had received two of the wounded.
Catholics reading this heartbreaking news are reminded of Christ’s call to reject violence and to protect the dignity of every human life, regardless of immigration status or political divisions. Pope Francis often spoke about welcoming the stranger and healing the wounds of division, while also insisting that peace requires both justice and security.
As Vice President JD Vance said in response to the attack: “The obsessive attack on law enforcement, particularly ICE, must stop. I’m praying for everyone hurt in this attack and for their families.”
Let us join in that prayer. We pray for the souls of those who lost their lives, for the healing of the wounded, for the protection of those serving in dangerous roles, and for an end to the cycle of violence. May Christ, the Prince of Peace, bring consolation to all families touched by this tragedy.
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