Sen. Cruz Criticizes Democrats After Dallas ICE Shooting
Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) has expressed strong disapproval of Democrats’ dismissive rhetoric concerning Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following a tragic shooting at an ICE facility in Dallas on Wednesday.
In this incident, a gunman opened fire within the ICE building and a parked van at Surry Port, resulting in the deaths of two detainees and injuring another. Fortunately, no federal agents or employees were harmed during the attack, and the gunman eventually succumbed to a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
“This has to end! Violence is never acceptable. Violence driven by political motives is unacceptable. … This marks the third shooting in Texas targeted at ICE or Customs and Border Protection (CBP). We need to put a stop to this. Politicians who perpetuate harmful rhetoric against CBP should really reconsider their words!” Cruz stated passionately.
The FBI later confirmed that the shooter did not leave behind any messages or materials linked to anti-ICE sentiments.
The Department of Homeland Security highlighted a previous bomb threat at the same facility, where a man later identified as Bratton-Dean Wilkinson, a 36-year-old U.S. citizen, entered with a backpack, claiming to have a bomb. He was apprehended by local law enforcement after a bomb squad was dispatched.
Cruz noted that this event is not an isolated issue for federal immigration facilities in Texas.
Past Incidents
Earlier this year in July, a gunman targeted the U.S. Border Patrol Rio Grande Valley Sector Annex. An expert in law enforcement who arrived at the scene confronted the assailant, but the shooter was ultimately engaged by Border Patrol agents after he attempted to storm the building.
Similarly, in July, an ambush was reported at an ICE detention facility, suspected of being connected to an ANTIFA cell. During this incident, attackers started a violent scene by firing fireworks to draw in law enforcement; one officer suffered a gunshot wound but survived. Police ultimately arrested ten individuals connected to this attack.
