Norlan Guzman-Fuentes - ICE Shooting Death Investigation¶

Date of Death: September 24, 2025
Location: ICE Field Office, Love Field area, Dallas, Texas
Age: 37
Nationality: El Salvador
Cause of Death: Gunshot wounds
Confidence Level: HIGH (multiple official sources, medical examiner confirmation)

Executive Summary¶

Norlan Guzman-Fuentes, a 37-year-old Salvadoran national in ICE custody, was killed on September 24, 2025, when an anti-ICE activist named Joshua Jahn opened fire on a van transporting ICE detainees at the Dallas ICE field office. Guzman-Fuentes was restrained and unable to escape when the shooting began. This was NOT an ICE agent shooting - it was an activist attack that killed ICE detainees.

CRITICAL DISTINCTION: Unlike Operation Metro Surge killings (Renée Good, Alex Pretti) where federal agents shot civilians, this case involves an anti-government activist shooting detained immigrants. The shooter intended to target ICE officers but killed their captives instead.

Timeline of Events¶

September 24, 2025¶

Morning/Early Afternoon:
- Norlan Guzman-Fuentes and other detainees were being transported by ICE agents
- Three detainees (including Guzman-Fuentes) were restrained in handcuffs in a van in the sally port area of the ICE field office near I-35E

Approximately 2:00 PM:
- Joshua Jahn, 29, positioned himself on the rooftop of an immigration lawyer's office across from the ICE facility
- Jahn opened fire with multiple rounds, shooting down into the sally port
- Three detainees in the van were struck by gunfire
- Victims were unable to flee or take cover due to restraints

Immediate Aftermath:
- Norlan Guzman-Fuentes was pronounced dead at the scene
- Two other detainees were critically wounded and transported to hospitals
- Joshua Jahn shot and killed himself on the rooftop

September 27, 2025¶

Dallas County Medical Examiner's Office officially identified Norlan Guzman-Fuentes as the deceased victim
DHS confirmed his identity and Salvadoran nationality

September 30, 2025¶

Second shooting victim, Miguel Ángel García-Hernández (Mexican national), died from his injuries
Third victim, Jose Andres Bordones-Molina (Venezuelan national), remained hospitalized in grave condition

The Shooter: Joshua Jahn¶

Identity: Joshua Jahn, 29, of Fairview, Texas
Death: Self-inflicted gunshot wound on rooftop

Manifesto and Intent¶

Anti-ICE Ideology:
- Authorities found "ANTI-ICE" markings on unfired ammunition at the scene
- Recovered notes indicated Jahn intended to target ICE officers, not detainees
- Jahn wrote that he hoped his actions would give ICE agents "real terror" and interfere with their work, which he likened to "human trafficking"
- Messages indicated Jahn hated the federal government and did not intend to survive the attack

Background:
- Local media described him as "just a normal kid" from Dallas suburbs
- FBI investigated the incident as a targeted attack on federal officers
- No prior indication of violent intent or criminal history reported in initial coverage

Tactical Analysis¶

Location and Method:
- Positioned on rooftop of building across from ICE facility for elevated firing position
- Targeted the sally port - a secure vehicle entry/exit area where detainees would be vulnerable
- Fired multiple rounds at the van containing restrained detainees
- Victims had no means of escape or cover

The Victims¶

Norlan Guzman-Fuentes (DECEASED)¶

Age: 37
Nationality: El Salvador
Status: ICE detainee
Death: Killed on scene from gunshot wounds, September 24, 2025

Family Notification Issues:
- Family expressed outrage that U.S. authorities failed to promptly notify them of his death
- CBS Texas reported: "Family outraged after U.S. authorities failed to notify them of loved one's death in Dallas ICE shooting"
- Family criticized lack of compassion in how death notification was handled

Miguel Ángel García-Hernández / García Medina (DECEASED)¶

Age: Not specified
Nationality: Mexico (lived in Arlington, TX)
Status: ICE detainee
Death: Died September 30, 2025 (6 days after shooting) from gunshot wounds

Jose Andres Bordones-Molina (SURVIVOR)¶

Nationality: Venezuela
Status: ICE detainee
Condition: Hospitalized in "grave condition" as of September 27, 2025
Family Response: Wife spoke to NPR about the incident

Critical Context: Anti-ICE Violence vs. ICE Violence¶

This Case: Activist Violence Against Detainees¶

What Happened:
- An anti-government activist attacked ICE detainees while attempting to target ICE officers
- The shooter's manifesto showed intent to harm federal agents, not immigrants
- Three restrained immigrants were shot; two died
- This represents a failure of the activist's stated goals - he killed the people he claimed to want to protect

Comparison to Operation Metro Surge Killings¶

Different Pattern:
- Renée Good (Jan 7, 2026, Minneapolis): Shot and killed by CBP agents during immigration enforcement
- Alex Pretti (Jan 24, 2026, Minneapolis): Shot and killed by CBP agents during immigration enforcement
- Norlan Guzman-Fuentes (Sep 24, 2025, Dallas): Shot and killed by anti-ICE activist

Key Distinction:
- Metro Surge killings: Federal agents shooting civilians during raids
- Dallas shooting: Civilian attacking federal facility, killing detainees

Implications¶

For Resistance Movements:
- This incident demonstrates catastrophic tactical and moral failure
- Violence against ICE infrastructure risks harming the very people it claims to protect
- Media coverage focused on shooter's anti-ICE ideology, potentially delegitimizing broader resistance

For ICE/DHS Narrative:
- Incident used to portray immigration enforcement as protecting immigrants from extremists
- Fox News and Daily Caller emphasized victims' "criminal pasts" to justify detention
- Event provides propaganda value for expanded security around ICE operations

Use of Force Analysis¶

NOT APPLICABLE - This Was Not ICE Use of Force¶

Unlike the Operation Metro Surge cases, this incident does NOT involve ICE agents shooting anyone. Key differences:

What This Case IS:
- Civilian attack on federal facility
- Activist shooting detained immigrants
- Self-inflicted death by shooter

What This Case IS NOT:
- ICE agents using lethal force
- Federal agents shooting during enforcement operations
- Example of state violence against immigrants

Tactical Vulnerability of Detainees¶

Restraint Conditions:
- All three victims were in handcuffs when shooting began
- Victims were confined in van with no ability to flee
- Sally port design created kill zone with no cover
- ICE transport procedures left detainees completely vulnerable to external attack

Questions Raised:
- What security measures protected the sally port area?
- Were detainees's restraints appropriate for the threat environment?
- Could detainees have been moved to safety if restraints allowed?

Family and Community Response¶

Guzman-Fuentes Family¶

Notification Failures:
- Family "outraged" by lack of timely notification from authorities
- Characterized response as having "no compassion"
- No information available about family's location or support network

Community Vigil¶

October 4, 2025:
- Community gathered for candlelight vigil to mourn victims
- Event reflected complicated emotions about the incident
- Recognition that victims were immigrants killed during ICE custody, but not by ICE

Media Coverage Analysis¶

Coverage Patterns¶

Conservative Media (Fox News, Daily Caller):
- Emphasized Guzman-Fuentes had "criminal past revealed"
- Framed incident as "illegal immigrant victim of anti-ICE shooting"
- Used event to argue for protection of ICE operations
- Highlighted shooter's "Anti-ICE" ideology prominently

Mainstream/Liberal Media (Texas Tribune, NPR, Dallas News):
- Focused on investigation and victim identification
- Covered family responses and community vigils
- Explored shooter's background and radicalization path
- Examined tactical details of the attack

Immigration Advocacy Coverage:
- Minimal coverage compared to Metro Surge killings
- Complicated narrative: anti-ICE activist killed ICE detainees
- Difficult to fit into "ICE violence" framework

Framing Differences¶

ICE's Framing:
- ICE official press releases emphasized detainee status
- Highlighted criminal history of victims
- Positioned ICE as protecting immigrants from extremists

Activist Framing:
- Limited response from immigration rights organizations
- Event did not generate protests or calls for ICE abolition
- Tactically difficult to use for advocacy

Investigation Status¶

Active Investigations¶

FBI:
- Leading investigation into attack on federal facility
- Examining shooter's manifesto and planning
- Investigating as targeted attack on federal officers

Dallas Police:
- Supporting investigation
- Secured crime scene
- Provided initial incident response

DHS Inspector General:
- No specific mention of DHS IG investigation
- May review ICE transport security protocols

Outstanding Questions¶

Security Failures:
How did shooter access rooftop overlooking ICE facility?
Were there prior threats against the Dallas ICE office?
What security measures were in place for the sally port?
Shooter Radicalization:
What was Jahn's pathway to violence?
Was he connected to any organizations or online communities?
Were there warning signs that were missed?
ICE Transport Protocols:
Are sally port areas adequately secured?
Should detainees be unrestrained in emergency situations?
What training do ICE agents receive for active shooter scenarios?

Protocol Violations and Systemic Issues¶

ICE Transport Security¶

Vulnerability Assessment:
- Sally port area exposed to elevated firing positions
- No apparent counter-sniper detection or protection
- Detainees left in stationary vehicle during transfer
- Full restraints prevented any defensive action by victims

Standard Operating Procedure Questions:
- Do ICE facilities conduct threat assessments of surrounding buildings?
- Are transport vehicles armored or protected?
- What protocols exist for moving detainees during security incidents?

Family Notification¶

Documented Failures:
- Significant delay in notifying Guzman-Fuentes family
- Family characterized notification process as lacking compassion
- No information about whether consular notification occurred (Vienna Convention requirements)

Protocol Requirements:
- ICE Death Review Policy requires timely family notification
- Consular notification required for foreign nationals
- Family should be informed before media coverage

Broader Pattern Analysis¶

2025 ICE Custody Deaths Context¶

This Death vs. Others:
- Guzman-Fuentes is counted among 2025's ICE custody deaths (31 total)
- Only death caused by external attack rather than medical neglect or ICE action
- Statistically anomalous but still reflects custody vulnerability

Similar External Violence:
- No comparable cases of anti-ICE activists shooting detainees
- Previous attacks on ICE facilities (2019 Tacoma) targeted infrastructure, not people
- Unique case in modern ICE history

Implications for Resistance Tactics¶

Tactical Failure Analysis:
- Shooter intended to harm ICE agents, killed their captives instead
- Reinforced ICE security justifications
- Provided anti-immigrant propaganda material
- Failed to achieve stated goals
- Caused immense harm to immigrant community

Ethical Concerns:
- Violence against ICE infrastructure risks harming detainees
- Detainees are most vulnerable parties in ICE system
- Tactics must prioritize protection of immigrants, not revenge against agents

Legal and Political Aftermath¶

Criminal Investigation¶

Federal Charges (Posthumous):
- Attack on federal facility
- Assault on federal officers (attempted)
- Firearms violations
- (Charges moot due to shooter's death)

Civil Litigation Potential¶

Potential Claims Against ICE:
- Failure to secure sally port area
- Inadequate threat assessment
- Leaving detainees vulnerable during attack
- Family notification failures

Challenges:
- Shooter was external actor, not ICE agent
- Difficult to establish ICE negligence
- Qualified immunity likely shields individual agents

Political Impact¶

Conservative Narrative:
- "Violent left-wing extremism" endangering immigrants
- Justification for expanded ICE security measures
- Ammunition for anti-immigrant rhetoric

Immigration Rights Advocacy:
- Limited ability to use case for reform advocacy
- Complicated narrative undermines "ICE violence" framing
- Risk of association with shooter's tactics

Comparison to Minneapolis Operation Metro Surge Killings¶

Similarities¶

Occurred during 2025-2026 immigration enforcement escalation
Immigrant victims killed during ICE operations
Federal agency involvement
Family notification issues
Part of broader pattern of immigrant deaths

Critical Differences¶

Factor	Dallas Shooting	Minneapolis Killings
Shooter	Anti-ICE activist	CBP agents
Intent	Attack federal officers	Enforce immigration law
Victims	ICE detainees (restrained)	Community members (free)
Tactics	Sniper attack on facility	Door-breach raids
Legal	Criminal attack	Government use of force
Advocacy	Difficult to leverage	Clear state violence

Why This Distinction Matters¶

For Documentation:
- Both are ICE custody deaths, but mechanisms differ
- This case complicates "ICE killing immigrants" narrative
- Must be documented accurately to maintain credibility

For Resistance Strategy:
- Demonstrates why violence against ICE infrastructure is counterproductive
- Shows how detainees are most vulnerable to collateral damage
- Emphasizes need for tactics that protect immigrants, not endanger them

Sources and Verification¶

Primary Sources¶

Dallas County Medical Examiner's Office (official death confirmation)
ICE official statements (via DHS)
FBI investigation reports (via media)
Dallas Police Department statements

News Sources (Verified)¶

Texas Tribune (3 articles)
Dallas Morning News (3 articles)
KERA News (2 articles)
CBS Texas (2 articles)
NPR (1 article)
Newsweek (1 article)
Wikipedia (comprehensive article with citations)

Verification Level: HIGH¶

Three-Source Rule: MET
- Official government sources (ICE, Medical Examiner, FBI)
- Multiple independent news organizations
- Family members interviewed

Cross-Platform Verification: CONFIRMED
- Consistent details across conservative, mainstream, and liberal outlets
- Facts match between official statements and independent reporting
- Timeline verified through multiple sources

Key Findings Summary¶

Norlan Guzman-Fuentes was killed by an anti-ICE activist, not by ICE agents
This is a fundamentally different type of incident than Metro Surge killings
Shooter intended to target ICE officers but killed detainees instead
Tactical vulnerability of detainees in ICE custody
Restrained victims had no ability to flee or take cover
Sally port security was inadequate to protect against elevated threats
ICE transport procedures created kill zone
Family notification failures mirror other ICE custody deaths
Significant delays in notifying family
Lack of compassion in notification process
Pattern consistent with other 2025 custody deaths
Incident provides propaganda value for ICE
Used to justify expanded security around ICE operations
Framed as protecting immigrants from extremists
Complicated advocacy narrative around ICE violence
Demonstrates catastrophic failure of violent resistance tactics
Shooter killed the people he claimed to protect
Harmed immigrant community and resistance movement
Provided ammunition for anti-immigrant politics

Recommendations for Further Investigation¶

ICE Transport Security Review
Audit sally port security at all ICE facilities
Review threat assessment procedures
Examine detainee restraint policies during transport
Shooter Radicalization Pathway
Investigate online activities and communities
Examine any organizational connections
Study warning signs that may have been missed
Family Support and Compensation
Document family notification timeline
Assess consular notification compliance
Explore compensation mechanisms for families
Broader Violence Risk Assessment
Evaluate threats to ICE facilities and detainees
Consider protective measures that don't further militarize ICE
Balance security needs with accountability

Miguel Ángel García-Hernández (Mexico) - Sept 30, 2025 - Dallas ICE shooting second fatality
Jose Andres Bordones-Molina (Venezuela) - Sept 24, 2025 - Dallas ICE shooting survivor
Renée Good (Jan 7, 2026) - Shot by CBP during Minneapolis raid (DIFFERENT: agent-involved)
Alex Pretti (Jan 24, 2026) - Shot by CBP during Minneapolis raid (DIFFERENT: agent-involved)

Report Completed: February 5, 2026
Investigator: Oilcloth
Confidence Level: HIGH
Sources: 15+ verified sources across multiple platforms

Published by Mortui Vivos Docent Intelligence Project
Methodology: Bellingcat-standard OSINT — public sources only