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Amazon agrees to pay $2.5bn over claims it tricked Prime customers

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Simeon Bateren
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SEATTLE (BN24) — Amazon has agreed to pay $2.5 billion to settle claims from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission that the tech giant deceived millions of customers into signing up for its Prime membership and created barriers that made canceling the service unnecessarily difficult.

The settlement, announced as a federal jury trial was already underway in Seattle, includes $1.5 billion in customer refunds and represents the largest civil penalty ever secured by the FTC. The agency alleged that Amazon used manipulative online interfaces—commonly referred to as “dark patterns” to push consumers toward unwanted Prime subscriptions during checkout, often without clearly presenting terms or offering a transparent option to decline.

FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson called the decision a significant step in holding tech firms accountable. “The evidence showed that Amazon used sophisticated subscription traps designed to manipulate consumers into enrolling in Prime, and then made it exceedingly hard for consumers to end their subscription,” Ferguson said. “Today, we are putting billions of dollars back into Americans’ pockets and making sure Amazon never does this again.”

Amazon, which did not admit wrongdoing as part of the agreement, has not yet publicly responded to the settlement. Under the terms, the company will be required to end practices that mislead users into thinking they are declining a service, such as presenting buttons labeled “No, I don’t want free shipping” when they are actually consenting to a Prime trial.

Prime, which offers benefits including free shipping and access to streaming content, currently costs $139 per year or $14.99 monthly in the U.S. and £95 annually in the U.K. According to the FTC, misleading tactics led millions to enroll in the service without informed consent. Consumers who used Prime benefits fewer than three times within a year will be automatically refunded. Those who used it fewer than ten times may still be eligible for a refund by filing a claim.

An estimated 35 million U.S. consumers affected between June 2019 and June 2025 may qualify for refunds of up to $51, based on FTC estimates.

Internal Amazon communications cited in the case revealed that company executives and staff were aware of the questionable nature of their subscription practices, with one document quoting an employee referring to “subscription driving” as “a bit of a shady world.”

The case, originally brought under the Biden administration during FTC Chair Lina Khan’s tenure, was seen as part of a broader push to regulate Big Tech. Ferguson, appointed earlier this year by President Donald Trump, has also taken a firm stance on tech industry practices.

As part of the agreement, Amazon will implement new systems to simplify the Prime cancellation process, removing misleading language and requiring clearer disclosures in its checkout design.

The settlement underscores the FTC’s increasing scrutiny of subscription-based services and highlights the legal risks facing major technology companies accused of undermining consumer rights through manipulative design.

UEFA faces pressure as calls grow to ban Israel from international soccer

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Simeon Bateren
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LONDON (BN24) — Top-level discussions are underway within European football over whether Israel should be banned from international competitions, amid intensifying pressure on governing bodies UEFA and FIFA. The talks come as global scrutiny mounts over Israel’s military actions in Gaza, which a United Nations inquiry has labeled as genocide — a claim the Israeli government strongly denies.

Sky News has learned that although no formal decision has been made, deliberations are active at UEFA regarding the future participation of Israel’s national and club teams. The debate has been fueled by a growing number of appeals from international human rights advocates, UN officials, and segments of the football community demanding sporting sanctions against Israel.

The latest push follows a report from a United Nations commission of inquiry accusing Israel of committing genocide during its military campaign in Gaza, nearly two years after the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023. Alexandra Xanthaki, the UN Special Rapporteur for Cultural Rights, argued that national teams representing states accused of genocide cross a “red line” and should be subject to suspension from international competition.

UEFA and FIFA have previously resisted such demands but have yet to respond to the most recent calls, which include a plea from a group of UN advisory experts. Public sentiment is also surfacing at football grounds across Europe. During a Europa League match this week between Greek side PAOK and Maccabi Tel Aviv, fans unfurled Palestinian flags and a banner reading “Show Israel the red card.” The match ended 0-0, but protests before and during the game led to several arrests in Thessaloniki, where Israeli fans were kept behind a police barrier and Maccabi’s team bus was escorted under heavy security.

In the UK, calls for action have extended to Premier League side Aston Villa, which is due to host Maccabi Tel Aviv in November. Ayoub Khan, the independent MP for Birmingham Hall Green, urged Villa to “take the high moral ground” and boycott the fixture, citing both ethical concerns and potential security risks for local communities.

“It’s not just about football,” Khan told Sky News. “It’s about the safety of local businesses, the community, and the risk of clashes between pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel activists.”

The issue has become deeply divisive. While activists and political figures press for Israel’s exclusion, legal advocates defending Israel’s participation argue that football teams should not be penalized for the actions of a state during wartime. Jonathan Turner, CEO of UK Lawyers for Israel, warned against what he called discriminatory treatment. “Unfortunately, there is destruction during a war,” he said. “But the Israeli Football Association and Maccabi Tel Aviv are not responsible for that destruction.”

Turner also drew a historical parallel, stating that many Jews perceive the push for sporting boycotts as reminiscent of Nazi-era boycotts of Jews.

The situation echoes UEFA’s decision in 2022 to ban Russia from international competition following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This precedent has intensified debate around whether football should adopt a moral stance on state actions in war.

UEFA has shown signs of acknowledging the humanitarian toll in Gaza, including a “Stop Killing Children” banner displayed at the UEFA Super Cup in August. Yet the question of whether football can or should take a definitive stand against Israel remains legally and politically fraught.

It is understood that some European clubs have privately raised concerns about playing Israeli teams, and UEFA is now weighing not just public and political pressure, but also the potential security risks and broader implications for the game.

Credit: Sky News

Messi scores twice as Inter Miami rout NYCFC 4-0 at Citi Field

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Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi (10) scores a goal against New York City FC goalkeeper Matt Freese (49) midfielder Aiden O'Neill during the second half of a MLS soccer game, Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)

NEW YORK (Sept. 23, 2025, BN24) — Lionel Messi put on a dazzling display in Queens on Wednesday night, scoring twice and adding an assist to lead Inter Miami to a 4-0 victory over New York City FC at Citi Field.

Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi (10) scores a goal against New York City FC goalkeeper Matt Freese (49) midfielder Aiden O’Neill during the second half of a MLS soccer game, Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)

The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner was at his clinical best, drawing loud roars from a crowd that had packed the stadium largely to see him. Messi orchestrated the attack from the start, setting up Baltasar Rodriguez with a perfectly timed through ball for Miami’s opening goal in the first half.

NYCFC battled to stay in the match and had opportunities of its own, but Miami’s firepower proved decisive after the break. Messi doubled the lead in the 74th minute with a delicate chip over goalkeeper Matt Freese, sparking a late scoring surge. Nine minutes later, Luis Suárez converted a penalty to make it 3-0, before Messi struck again in the 86th with a slaloming solo finish that sealed the emphatic win.

The scoreline suggested Miami had controlled the match from start to finish, but much of the contest was tightly contested until Messi’s brilliance opened the floodgates. For Inter Miami, the victory underscored what the team can achieve with Messi at full flight and Suárez back from suspension.

With just five games left in the regular season, Miami’s ambitions remain high. Messi’s latest performance bolstered his push for the league’s MVP award, while the team showed it can overwhelm even strong opponents like NYCFC when its stars are in rhythm.

The Herons will now look to carry that momentum into the final stretch of the campaign, confident that with Messi leading the way, few in Major League Soccer can keep pace.

White House orders agencies to draft mass firing plans ahead of possible shutdown – Politico

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WASHINGTON (Sept. 23, 2025) — The Trump administration is directing federal agencies to prepare plans for permanent job cuts if the government shuts down next week, escalating the stakes of the funding standoff in Washington.

In a memo obtained by POLITICO and confirmed by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), agencies were instructed to draft reduction-in-force (RIF) plans that would go beyond standard furloughs, targeting employees in programs that would lose discretionary funding after Oct. 1 and that President Donald Trump does not consider consistent with his policy priorities.

The memo marks a sharp departure from recent shutdowns, when furloughs were temporary and employees typically returned once Congress restored funding. This time, OMB Director Russ Vought made clear that permanent cuts are on the table if lawmakers fail to reach a deal.

“Programs that did not benefit from an infusion of mandatory appropriations will bear the brunt of a shutdown,” OMB wrote in the guidance. Agencies were ordered to identify which operations would be forced to close and to issue termination notices even to employees who might otherwise be exempt from furloughs.

Essential services such as Social Security, Medicare, veterans benefits, military operations, law enforcement, air traffic control, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Customs and Border Protection would continue to operate regardless of a shutdown, according to an OMB official.

The guidance comes as negotiations between Republicans and Democrats remain deadlocked, with the Sept. 30 deadline looming. The House passed a stopgap bill to fund the government until Nov. 21, but Senate Democrats have blocked it, insisting on bipartisan talks that could include an extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies.

OMB noted that if Congress approves a clean temporary funding bill before the deadline, the mass firing plans would not be implemented.

The move appeared to validate earlier warnings from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who has argued that the administration is using the threat of a shutdown as a way to weaken federal agencies. On Wednesday, after details of the memo were reported, Schumer dismissed it as “an attempt at intimidation” and predicted the firings would either be reversed in court or rolled back by the administration.

“This is nothing new and has nothing to do with funding the government,” Schumer said. “These unnecessary firings will either be overturned in court or the administration will end up hiring the workers back, just like they did as recently as today.”

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, however, urged voters to take the threat seriously, warning in a post on X that the administration’s actions would punish federal workers and families already strained by tariffs and inflation.

“Their goal is to ruin your life and punish hardworking families,” Jeffries wrote, addressing residents in Virginia, where thousands of federal employees live and where state elections are approaching. “Remember in November.”

The White House has not publicly commented on the memo.

Neymar slams 2025 Ballon D’Or rankings as ‘Absolute Joke’

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Simeon Bateren
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PARIS (BN24) — Brazilian forward Neymar has criticized the 2025 Ballon d’Or results, calling Raphinha’s fifth-place finish “an absolute joke” despite the Barcelona winger’s prolific season.

The annual award ceremony, held Monday night at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, saw Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembélé crowned the Ballon d’Or winner. Dembélé was honored after a standout season in which he played a pivotal role in PSG’s historic run to their first-ever UEFA Champions League title.

Raphinha, 28, was instrumental in Barcelona’s domestic treble, finishing the 2024–25 season with 38 goals and 23 assists in 66 matches across all competitions. His contributions led the Catalan club to victories in La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup.

Despite those numbers, Raphinha was placed fifth in the final Ballon d’Or rankings, a decision that Neymar, a former PSG and Barcelona player, did not take lightly. He voiced his frustration on social media shortly after the results were announced, writing that the ranking was “a joke.”

Neymar’s comment has reignited conversations around the transparency and fairness of Ballon d’Or voting, especially concerning Brazilian players. He himself finished ninth in 2020, while fellow Brazilian Vinícius Júnior came second in 2024 behind Manchester City midfielder Rodri, despite an acclaimed season with Real Madrid.

The debate adds to longstanding scrutiny over how performances are weighed in the selection process and whether non-European players are consistently overlooked or undervalued.

2025 Ballon d’Or Men’s Top 5

Ousmane Dembélé (PSG)

Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)

Vitinha (PSG)

Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

Raphinha (Barcelona)



France authorities arrests teen after knife attack on music teacher

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Simeon Bateren
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BENFELD, France (BN24) — A 14-year-old student was arrested Wednesday after allegedly stabbing his 66-year-old music teacher in the face in a classroom in Benfeld, a small town located near Strasbourg in eastern France. Authorities confirmed that the teacher’s injuries, while serious, were not life-threatening.

The incident, which unfolded earlier this week, has shocked the local community and reignited concerns over rising violence in French schools. Police said that when they arrived at the scene, the teenager, whose identity has not been publicly disclosed, inflicted multiple self-inflicted knife wounds and was subsequently rushed by helicopter to a hospital in Strasbourg after experiencing a cardio-respiratory arrest. His condition remains critical.

The motive for the attack remains unclear, with the local gendarmerie indicating that they are still investigating. Education Minister Elisabeth Borne, responding to the incident, said she was immediately heading to the scene to assess the situation and offer support.

An education authority spokesperson told Agence France-Presse (AFP) that the teenager had struggled academically, with poor school results leading the school’s staff to work closely with him in an attempt to address his difficulties. The spokesperson did not indicate any prior history of violent behavior but emphasized that the educational team had been actively involved in providing support.

Jacky Wolfarth, the mayor of Benfeld, a town of around 6,000 residents, described the incident as “isolated,” expressing disbelief over the violent outburst at the local school. Jean-Remi Girard, president of the SNALC teachers’ union, expressed concern over the mental health of students, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. He noted that lockdowns and prolonged isolation had taken a toll on students’ well-being, contributing to erratic behavior.

“We know that pupils can sometimes go crazy,” Girard said, pointing to the lasting effects of the pandemic on students’ mental health. He also dismissed the idea of implementing drastic measures like metal detectors in schools, saying there was no “miracle solution” to the problem.

This attack follows a series of violent incidents in French schools in recent months, raising questions about safety and security in classrooms. In response, some schools have implemented more stringent measures, including bag checks for students entering school grounds. Despite these efforts, the frequency of such incidents has alarmed educators and parents alike.

As the investigation continues, French authorities are reviewing the events leading up to the attack, while also looking into the broader issue of student mental health and the challenges schools face in providing adequate support for troubled students.

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UK police arrest man after cyberattack disrupts major European airports

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Simeon Bateren
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LONDON (BN24) — UK police arrested a man in his 40s on Tuesday in connection with a cyberattack that disrupted major European airports, including Heathrow, Brussels, and Berlin, causing widespread delays and flight cancellations. The arrest was made by officers from the National Crime Agency (NCA) in West Sussex, southeast England, and the suspect was released on conditional bail while investigations continue.

The attack, which targeted aviation technology provider Collins Aerospace, was confirmed by the EU’s cybersecurity agency as a ransomware incident. Collins Aerospace, a subsidiary of US aerospace giant RTX (formerly Raytheon), provides vital check-in and baggage drop services to multiple airlines across airports globally. The company confirmed that the disruption affected its MUSE software at select airports, temporarily crippling automated check-in and baggage processing systems. In response, impacted airlines were forced to carry out manual procedures, leading to significant slowdowns.

Paul Foster, Deputy Director of the NCA, emphasized the ongoing nature of the investigation, stating that while the arrest marked progress, “Cybercrime is a persistent global threat that continues to cause significant disruption to the UK.” The NCA had initiated the probe after Collins Aerospace reported the cyber disruption on Friday.

The cyberattack, which began late last week, continued to impact several European airports on Wednesday, though authorities reported that the situation was improving. At Brussels Airport, where numerous outbound flights were cancelled, a spokesperson confirmed that operations were returning to normal. Heathrow, Europe’s busiest airport, also reported that the “vast majority” of flights were operating on schedule, with delays and cancellations now minimal.

The incident has raised alarms over the security of airport and airline systems, as air travel increasingly relies on interconnected digital networks. Dublin and Cork airports in Ireland were among those affected by the cyberattack, with some operations still experiencing disruptions.

The attack highlights the growing vulnerability of the aviation sector to cyber threats. According to a June report by French aerospace company Thales, the number of cyberattacks targeting the aviation industry surged by 600% from 2024 to 2025. The report warned that airports, airlines, and other aviation-related systems are increasingly becoming prime targets for hackers due to their strategic and economic importance.

As the investigation unfolds, concerns over the cybersecurity of the aviation sector are likely to intensify, particularly as airports and airlines face growing pressure to bolster their defenses against future cyberattacks.

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Malawi President Chakwera concedes election defeat to rival Mutharika

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LILONGWE, Malawi (BN24) — Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera conceded defeat on Wednesday, September 24, in the highly contested 2024 election, acknowledging that his rival, Peter Mutharika, held an “insurmountable lead.” Speaking to the nation in a solemn national address, Chakwera confirmed his loss hours before the election authority was set to announce the final results of the September 16 poll.

The concession comes after days of tension and uncertainty in Malawi, where voters had expressed frustration with the incumbent administration’s handling of the country’s worsening economic crisis. In his address, Chakwera, who had led the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) since 2020, said he had reached out to Mutharika to offer his congratulations personally. “A few minutes ago, I called Professor Mutharika to wish him well,” Chakwera said, signaling his commitment to a peaceful transfer of power.

The election had been closely watched by both local and international observers, with the two main contenders—Chakwera and Mutharika—offering starkly different visions for the future of the landlocked southern African nation.

Chakwera, 70, rose to power in 2020 after defeating Mutharika, a seasoned constitutional law expert and leader of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). His presidency, however, has been marked by growing public dissatisfaction, especially concerning economic instability. Despite initial hopes for reform, Chakwera’s government struggled with several key issues, most notably escalating inflation, corruption, and the failure to meet promises of job creation.

The state of the economy dominated the election, which saw Chakwera’s opponents capitalize on his administration’s inability to address the country’s deepening financial woes. Malawi’s economy, heavily reliant on agriculture, has been in freefall, exacerbated by inflation rates that reached a staggering 33 percent in 2024. The rising costs of basic goods, including maize, the country’s staple crop, and fertilizer, had already placed a significant strain on citizens, many of whom depend on subsistence farming.

Chakwera’s critics were particularly vocal about the government’s handling of agricultural subsidies, which saw the cost of key farming inputs skyrocket, making it even more difficult for rural communities to sustain their livelihoods. Moreover, the president’s inability to implement meaningful anti-corruption measures left many voters disillusioned, feeling that the country’s economic decline was compounded by widespread government inefficiency.

“I know that many of you who supported my reelection campaign will be disappointed,” Chakwera said, addressing the nation’s frustrations. “But I assure you, the transfer of power will be peaceful, as it is the will of the people.” His words signaled a commitment to upholding democratic principles, despite the political setback.

Peter Mutharika, the former president and leader of the DPP, had campaigned on a platform promising economic revival and increased stability. With his deep background in constitutional law and governance, Mutharika presented himself as a steady hand capable of restoring order and tackling the financial crises that have plagued Malawi. The DPP, during his tenure from 2014 to 2020, oversaw a period of moderate economic growth, though it too faced criticism over corruption scandals and governance issues.

Mutharika’s return to power is seen by many as a chance for a more pragmatic approach to the economy, focusing on fiscal policies aimed at stabilizing inflation, improving infrastructure, and reducing unemployment. His promises to reduce the cost of living for ordinary Malawians and ensure better management of agriculture were central themes of his campaign.

Chakwera’s loss underscores the dominant role that economic issues played in the 2024 election. Despite his efforts to improve the healthcare and education sectors, many voters ultimately felt the sting of economic hardship more acutely. The country’s inflation rate, which spiked in the past year, had a far-reaching impact, from the price of food to transportation costs, hitting Malawians hardest at a time of increasing global economic uncertainty.

The agricultural sector, which is the backbone of Malawi’s economy, saw increased struggles, with many farmers unable to access affordable fertilizers. At the same time, crop yields stagnated due to unfavorable weather patterns and a lack of government support. Critics argued that Chakwera’s administration failed to create a coherent policy to address the country’s agrarian issues, which became one of the key talking points for Mutharika’s DPP during the election.

As Chakwera steps down after a single term, the question remains as to how Mutharika will handle the country’s many challenges. Malawi, while rich in natural resources and potential, is deeply divided politically, with the Mutharika-led DPP now tasked with uniting a fractured nation. The peaceful transfer of power, which Chakwera committed to ensuring, is crucial in maintaining the stability of Malawi’s democratic processes.

The new president will face immediate challenges in reviving an economy strained by years of inflation, food insecurity, and unemployment. However, Mutharika’s return offers a renewed sense of hope for some Malawians, who are eager for change and better governance in the wake of Chakwera’s disappointing tenure.

Malawi’s political future is uncertain, but Mutharika’s victory signals a clear desire from the electorate for economic reform and a return to stability. As the final election results are set to be announced, all eyes will be on the peaceful transition of power in this small, yet significant, southern African nation.

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky welcome 3rd child, daughter named Rocki

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Rihanna and A$AP Rocky have welcomed their third child, a baby girl named Rocki Irish Mayers, adding to their growing family.

The 37-year-old music superstar announced the birth Wednesday on Instagram, sharing a photo of herself holding the newborn alongside a separate image of tiny baby shoes. The post was captioned with Rocki’s name, her birth date of Sept. 13, and a ribbon emoji.

The couple, who first revealed they were expecting their third child during the Met Gala in May, have made headlines before with high-profile pregnancy announcements. At this year’s gala, Rihanna wore a bold pinstripe ensemble topped with an oversized hat, while A$AP Rocky, 36, who served as a co-chair, confirmed to reporters that the couple was thrilled about their growing family.

Rihanna previously revealed her second pregnancy in 2023 during her Super Bowl halftime show performance, where she appeared on stage with a visible baby bump. Their son Riot Rose was born later that year, following the arrival of their first child, RZA, in May 2022. The pair went public with their relationship in 2020.

The baby’s arrival comes just months after A$AP Rocky was acquitted of firearms charges in Los Angeles in February. The rapper celebrated the verdict by leaping into Rihanna’s arms, while she, accompanied by their two sons, stood by him throughout the trial.

Rihanna, a nine-time Grammy Award winner, has earned 14 Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hits with chart-topping songs including “Umbrella,” “Work,” “We Found Love,” and “Disturbia.” Beyond music, she launched her beauty empire, Fenty Beauty, in 2017, which has grown into a global brand.

A$AP Rocky, who first gained attention as a member of the hip-hop collective A$AP Mob in 2011, released his debut studio album “Live, Love, A$AP” in 2013, which entered the Billboard 200 at No. 1. He has been nominated for two Grammy Awards and recently starred alongside Denzel Washington in Spike Lee’s film Highest 2 Lowest.

With Rocki’s arrival, Rihanna and A$AP Rocky now share three children under the age of three, solidifying their place as one of music’s most high-profile families.

1 dead, 2 in critical condition after shooting at Dallas ICE facility

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DALLAS (BN24) — A gunman killed one Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainee and critically wounded two others during a sniper-style attack at the Dallas ICE field office before taking his own life, federal officials said, marking a deadly escalation of anti-immigration enforcement violence.

The shooter, identified as Joshua Jahn by multiple senior law enforcement officials, fired indiscriminately at the ICE building from an elevated position on a nearby roof, targeting a van in the facility’s sallyport where the victims were located, the Department of Homeland Security said.

Joe Rothrock, special agent in charge of the Dallas FBI office, characterized the morning attack as an act of “targeted violence” after investigators discovered bullet shell casings with “ANTI-ICE” written in blue ink. The evidence suggested the facility was deliberately chosen as a target for the assault.

DHS corrected earlier casualty reports during the afternoon, stating that as of 2:30 p.m. local time, one detainee had died and two others remained in critical condition. Initial statements from the department had indicated two fatalities, creating confusion about the exact toll from the shooting.

No ICE officers suffered physical injuries during the attack, Dallas police confirmed at a news conference. The victims’ identities have not been publicly released, though Mexico’s Foreign Affairs Ministry confirmed that one of the wounded is a Mexican national currently hospitalized and receiving medical care.

Jahn was found dead at the scene with a self-inflicted gunshot wound after the assault on the federal immigration facility. Law enforcement officials described the attack pattern as that of a sniper, firing multiple rounds from his elevated position down into the facility’s secure entry area.

The 2016 criminal records show Jahn faced felony charges in Texas for delivering marijuana in amounts between one-quarter ounce and five pounds, to which he pleaded guilty. Public records indicate he was a registered independent voter who last participated in November elections.

Recent addresses associate Jahn with Oklahoma, though previous residences were listed in Texas, according to available records. State criminal documentation describes him as a 6-foot-tall, 210-pound male with brown hair and brown eyes, born in Texas.

Mexican consular officials have established contact with the injured Mexican national’s family and are providing support and legal assistance while seeking authorization to visit the hospitalized victim. The consulate maintains ongoing communication with investigating authorities regarding the case.

“The consulate is in ongoing communication with the authorities in charge of the investigation and is waiting for authorization to visit the hospitalized Mexican citizen,” Mexico’s foreign ministry said in an official statement.

The attack occurred during morning hours when detainees were apparently being transported in the sallyport area, a secure zone typically used for prisoner transfers at detention facilities. The shooter’s elevated position allowed him to fire down into this normally protected space.

Federal investigators have not disclosed the shooter’s specific motive or what prompted him to target the ICE facility, though the anti-ICE messaging on ammunition suggests ideological opposition to immigration enforcement operations.

The incident represents one of the most serious attacks on federal immigration facilities in recent years, occurring amid heightened political tensions surrounding immigration enforcement policies. The deliberate targeting of detainees rather than officers raises questions about the shooter’s specific intentions.

DHS officials emphasized that the attack was directed at the ICE operation itself, pointing to the anti-ICE inscriptions as evidence of the shooter’s hostile intent toward federal immigration enforcement activities.

The FBI’s Dallas office has taken the lead in investigating the shooting, working with local law enforcement and DHS security personnel to reconstruct the events and examine the shooter’s background and potential connections to anti-immigration groups.

The critical condition of the two surviving victims leaves their prognosis uncertain, with medical officials not immediately releasing details about the nature or severity of their injuries sustained during the attack.

The shooting highlights security vulnerabilities at immigration detention facilities, which house individuals awaiting deportation proceedings or immigration court hearings. These facilities have faced periodic protests but rarely experience direct violent attacks.

Immigration advocacy groups have not immediately commented on the shooting, though the targeting of detainees rather than enforcement officers complicates typical narratives surrounding anti-ICE sentiment and resistance to immigration policies.

The attack occurred as the Trump administration continues implementing expanded immigration enforcement operations, including increased detention capacity and deportation efforts that have generated political controversy and public protests.

Federal security protocols at ICE facilities may face review following this incident, particularly regarding perimeter security and protection of areas where detainees are transported between buildings or vehicles.

The investigation continues as federal authorities work to establish a complete timeline of events and determine whether the shooter acted alone or had connections to broader anti-immigration enforcement networks or organizations.

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