Dallas, TX — A 35-year-old man was taken into custody Monday evening after allegedly claiming he had a bomb while approaching a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Dallas, authorities confirmed. The arrest comes amid a reported surge in assaults and threats against ICE personnel nationwide.
Threat at the Dallas Field Office
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Bratton Dean Wilkinson, a U.S. citizen, arrived at the entrance of the Dallas Field Office at 6:37 p.m. local time, carrying a backpack. Wilkinson reportedly showed a security officer a device on his wrist, claiming it was a detonator. The office houses both the Dallas Field Office and Enforcement and Removal Operations.
“A shelter-in-place was issued for the facility and local police responded with a bomb squad, which was able to clear the scene about 30 minutes later,” DHS said in a news release.
Wilkinson was arrested by local law enforcement and charged with making terroristic threats. The Dallas Police Department confirmed the arrest and stated he was charged with a Class A misdemeanor false reporting to induce emergency response (CNN).
Security Measures and Context
This incident is the latest in a series of threats and attacks targeting ICE facilities. In recent weeks:
- A New York ICE office received a suspicious package containing white powder.
- A man in San Francisco was arrested for assaults and destruction of federal property during immigration enforcement operations.
DHS officials say these incidents follow months of heightened rhetoric and negative portrayals of ICE agents, which they claim have fueled a “culture of hate” against law enforcement personnel.
“These incidents come after months of smears and rhetoric by activists, politicians, and the media comparing ICE law enforcement to the Nazi Gestapo, kidnappers, and the Secret Police,” said a senior DHS official. “This shameful rhetoric has fueled a culture of hate against law enforcement resulting in a 1,000 percent increase in assaults against them. All sanctuary politicians, activists, and the media need to turn down their temperature.”
Rising Assaults Against ICE Personnel
The DHS has reported dramatic spikes in attacks on its officers over the past few months. According to the agency:
- May 2025: Assaults rose over 400%.
- July 2025: Assaults rose to 800%.
- Current reporting: The agency now reports a 1,000% increase in attacks.
These trends have prompted a heavier security presence in front of ICE facilities, particularly following attacks in Fort Worth and McAllen, Texas.
Authorities Urge Caution and Vigilance
Local and federal authorities continue to emphasize that any suspected threats or unusual activity near government facilities should be reported immediately. While no explosives were found in this incident, the arrest serves as a reminder of the increasing risks faced by federal officers and the necessity of vigilant security measures.
What are your thoughts on the rising attacks against ICE personnel? Share your views in the comments below.
