Ted Cruz Condemns Leftist Rhetoric After Deadly ICE Facility Shooting in Texas

Senator Ted Cruz issued a blistering rebuke of left-wing political rhetoric Wednesday following a deadly shooting at a Dallas-area ICE facility, calling the attack a tragic consequence of “demonizing” law enforcement and federal immigration personnel.

Speaking at a press conference hours after the shooting, Cruz linked the violence to an escalating pattern of politically motivated attacks across the country.

“This needs to stop,” Cruz said. “Violence is wrong. Politically motivated violence is wrong. It was two weeks ago today that we saw a political assassination in Utah that tore the heart out of much of this country. This is the third shooting in Texas directed at ICE or CBP. This must stop.”

The shooter, who authorities confirmed died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, left behind shell casings inscribed with the phrase “ANTI-ICE.” All victims in the attack were ICE detainees, according to the FBI. No law enforcement officers were harmed in the incident.

Cruz: Words Have Consequences

Cruz aimed his harshest criticism at elected officials and activists who have fueled anti-ICE sentiment.

“To every politician who is using rhetoric demonizing ICE and demonizing CBP, stop,” Cruz said. “To every politician demanding that ICE agents be doxxed and calling for people to go after their families, stop. This has very real consequences.”

“In America, we disagree — that’s fine, that’s the democratic process,” he added. “But your political opponents are not Nazis.”

Cruz emphasized that debate over immigration policy must not devolve into dehumanization. “We should not be putting language out there that inspires madmen to commit evil crimes,” he said.

Ongoing Threats Against Federal Immigration Agents

Wednesday’s attack is the latest in a string of violent incidents targeting ICE and Border Patrol personnel across Texas.

• July 4: A group of armed anarchists attacked the ICE facility in Alvarado, Texas, luring officers outside with fireworks before opening fire. A local police officer was shot in the neck.

• August 25: Bratton Dean Wilkinson, a 36-year-old American citizen, triggered a lockdown at the Dallas ICE facility after claiming to possess a bomb and flashing a “detonator” strapped to his wrist.

• July 7: A masked shooter opened fire at a Border Patrol office in McAllen, Texas. Federal agents returned fire, fatally stopping the shooter.

Cruz called for prayers and solidarity with law enforcement. “Number one, for the safety of law enforcement that are risking their lives to keep us safe. Number two, for the health of those who were shot and injured today … and for the families of the victims,” he said.

He closed by urging Americans to recommit to respectful political debate, saying, “We ought to come together and have some decency across the political aisle to say this violence is wrong and it needs to stop.”