Death Toll in Dallas ICE Shooting Rises to Two as Second Victim Succumbs to Injuries

Miguel Ángel García-Hernández, 32, passed away early Tuesday after being taken off life support, marking the second death resulting from last week’s shooting outside a Dallas Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office, as reported by his family.

A statement released by the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) announced the passing. Since September 24, García-Hernández has been receiving treatment in the hospital, following an outbreak of gunfire that occurred outside the facility in North Dallas.

“My husband, Miguel, was a good man, a loving father, and the provider for our family,” stated his wife, Stephany Gauffeny. “After purchasing our first home together, he dedicated himself tirelessly each day to ensure our children had everything they required.” The loss he has left behind is a heartbreaking event that has profoundly impacted our family. "I find it incredibly difficult to convey to our children that their father is no longer with us."

Eric Cedillo, representing Gauffeny, informed Houston Public Media that her visits with her husband in the hospital were limited due to his ongoing status in ICE custody. Gauffeny will welcome their fifth child this week.

García-Hernández found himself among three individuals who were shot when a gunman unleashed a barrage of bullets from a building directly across from the ICE office. 

Tragically, Norlan Guzman-Fuentes became yet another victim, losing his life at the scene. As of now, there has been no confirmation regarding the condition of the third individual, Jose Andres Bordones-Molina.

Authorities have identified the suspected gunman as 29-year-old Joshua Jahn from Fairview, whose lifeless body was discovered on the roof of a nearby immigration lawyer’s office. The Dallas County Medical Examiner has determined that his death was a suicide.

Authorities revealed that Jahn had a cache of weapons and had penned notes at his residence outlining intentions to attack ICE agents. In a statement, Dallas FBI Special Agent Joe Rothrock revealed that Jahn was a lone actor who “did not expect to survive the incident.”

Federal officials assert that the assault targeted ICE officers rather than detainees. However, immigrant advocates argue that the incident has intensified anxieties within the immigrant community in North Texas.

“This marks the 19th death of a detainee under the Trump administration,” stated Juan Proaño, CEO of LULAC. “Ultimately, it is the duty of DHS to ensure the well-being of these individuals during their time in detention.”

The investigation into the shooting that occurred on September 24 is ongoing, with both the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security actively involved.

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