ICE Facility Assault & Government Funding Standoff | 9.25.25

Summary

Morning Wire Episode Summary

Episode Title: ICE Facility Assault & Government Funding Standoff
Date: September 25, 2025
Hosts: John Bickley & Georgia Howe

---

Overview

This episode examines three major news stories: a deadly attack at an ICE facility in Dallas potentially motivated by anti-ICE ideology, explosive revelations regarding COVID-era housing programs that prioritized race in mortgage payouts leading to lawsuits, and the current standoff in Congress over government funding with a potential shutdown looming. Special focus is placed on the intersection of political rhetoric and violence, government policy and racial preferences, and the partisan battles shaping Washington.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Deadly Attack at Dallas ICE Facility

Segment Start: [02:09]

• Incident Details:
  • A rooftop shooter opened fire on an ICE detention center in Dallas, killing at least two immigrant detainees. The shooter was later found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound ([02:25]).
• Shooter's Background and Motive:
  • Identified as Joshua John, 29 ([02:54]).
  • Shell casings at the scene contained anti-ICE messages, indicating a political motive; authorities suggest an ideological, possibly left-wing, attack.
  • Recent similar threats have targeted ICE including a foiled bomb threat at the same facility weeks earlier.
• Political and Law Enforcement Response:
  • Senator Ted Cruz directly addressed the issue, urging politicians to tone down rhetoric against ICE and CBP:

    "To every politician who is using rhetoric, demonizing ICE and demonizing cbp, stop. ...This has very real consequences." – Sen. Ted Cruz ([04:17])

  • The shooter likely intended to target ICE officers; the victims—illegal immigrants being processed—were collateral damage, demonstrating how anti-ICE violence also puts immigrants at risk ([05:04]).
  • ICE is operating amid a reported "1000% increase in assaults" against its agents ([05:04]).

---

2. COVID-Era Housing Bailout & Racial Preferences

Segment Start: [07:04]

• Program Overview:
  • $10 billion was spent paying Americans’ mortgages and homeowner dues during the pandemic.
  • Roughly 40% of these funds went to black Americans due to racial preference language in the program ([07:04]).
  • The Homeowner Assistance Fund, established during the COVID relief wave, prioritized “socially disadvantaged” homeowners; states interpreted this to mean racial minorities, often to the exclusion of others.
• How “Socially Disadvantaged” Was Defined:
  • Not an explicit federal definition; guidance from the Biden administration suggested focusing on those subject to “racial or ethnic prejudice” ([08:25]).
  • Example: In Alabama and Georgia, Black residents received 85% and 82% of funds respectively, significantly outpacing population share ([09:03]).
  • Claim: Georgia deliberately limited awareness to majority-minority counties ([09:03]).
  • Some states, like California, based aid on residence in high-foreclosure census tracts rather than race ([09:46]).
• Lawsuits & Political Fallout:
  • States like Georgia, Missouri, and Oklahoma now face lawsuits from white residents alleging racial discrimination ([09:38], [10:22]).
  • In Missouri, partnering with the Black Chamber of Commerce led to 44% of funds going to blacks (just 12% of population) ([10:25]).
  • Plaintiffs include a COVID-impacted massage therapist and disabled veteran in Oklahoma, where the housing agency openly promised preference to certain minorities and LGBTQ residents ([10:25]).
  • Republican officials in charge of these programs face scrutiny for not resisting recommendations or clarifying race-neutral options ([10:25]).
• Ongoing Questions:
  • The structure and fairness of the distribution, official accountability, and the legality of race-based government programs remain under debate ([11:30]).

---

3. Government Funding Standoff & Impending Shutdown

Segment Start: [11:38]

• Current Situation:
  • President Trump canceled a planned meeting with Democratic leaders over what he called "unserious and ridiculous" funding demands as the September 30 shutdown deadline looms ([11:38]).
  • House Republicans passed a seven-week "clean" funding extension; the stalemate is in the Senate, where Democrats oppose the bill ([11:57]).
• Democratic and Republican Perspectives:
  • Democrats, led by Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries, insist on negotiation and accuse Republicans of slashing health care:

    "We're asking something very simple, Joe, for the president to sit down and talk with us. You know, he's not the king. He can't just dictate what happened." – Sen. Chuck Schumer ([12:51]) "Republicans have engaged in an unprecedented assault on the health care of the American people throughout this year. The largest cut to Medicaid in American history." – Rep. Hakeem Jeffries ([13:13])

  • Trump, supported by Johnson and Thune, claims Democrats are holding out for "free health care for illegal aliens" and billions for "radical left news outlets," as well as maintaining controversial social policies ([11:57]).
  • The House has left for recess; Johnson is holding firm on not calling members back until the deadline is over ([13:29]).
• Analysis of Blame and Likely Outcome:
  • Richard Stern from the Heritage Foundation expects Democrats will eventually “cave” and pass the extension, but warns the blame for a shutdown would likely fall on them ([14:00], [14:15]).

    "They're probably going to be the ones that really take on the political odium of having, you know, stop the entire government, put our defense on the line, border security, just to get some funding for DII and climate stuff." – Richard Stern ([14:15])

  • Stern highlights that this standoff is unusual because Republicans are genuinely pushing for budget cuts, not just ceiling increases ([14:33], [14:40]).

    "This is quite unprecedented... the president and Republicans were actually willing to pass a bill clawing back spending after it got passed." – Richard Stern ([14:40])

• Conclusion:
  • The battle will come down to the final days, as both sides gamble over public perception and political leverage ([15:26]).

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Sen. Ted Cruz Cautions Against Political Demonization
  [04:17] – "To every politician who is using rhetoric, demonizing ICE and demonizing cbp, stop. ...This has very real consequences."
• Chuck Schumer on Negotiation
  [12:51] – "We're asking something very simple, Joe, for the president to sit down and talk with us. You know, he's not the king. He can't just dictate what happened."
• Richard Stern on Shutdown Accountability
  [14:15] – "They're probably going to be the ones that really take on the political odium of having, you know, stop the entire government, put our defense on the line, border security, just to get some funding for DII and climate stuff."

---

Timestamps for Important Segments

• ICE Facility Attack Reporting: [02:09] – [06:01]
• Covid Housing Bailout & Racial Preferences: [07:04] – [11:35]
• Government Funding Standoff & Analysis: [11:38] – [15:38]

---

Episode Tone and Approach

The hosts maintain an urgent, fact-first tone, focusing on clarity and depth while allowing space for voices from both sides of the political aisle, direct official statements, and investigative data. Interviews with subject matter reporters provide further insight and keep the audience up to date with developing national stories.

---

For listeners who want to understand the intersection of policy, political rhetoric, and current events in America, this episode provides context, data, and direct perspectives from key players and analysts.

Transcript

[A]

This episode is brought to you by LifeLock. Between two factor authentication, strong passwords and a VPN, you try to be in control of how your info is protected. But many other places also have it and they might not be as careful. That's why Lifelock monitors hundreds of millions of data points a second for threats. If your identity is stolen, they'll fix it, guaranteed or your money back. Save up to 40% your first year. Make visit lifelock.com podcast for 40% off. Terms apply.

[B]

A targeted attack on an ICE facility in Dallas leaves several people dead.

[A]

Early evidence that we've seen from rounds that were found near the suspected shooter contain messages that are anti ICE in nature.

[B]

I'm Georgia Howe with Daily Wire executive editor John Bickley. It's Thursday, September 25th, and this is MORNING Wire.

[C]

A Covid era bailout is under heavy fire for prioritizing payouts to homeowners based on race.

[B]

And Senate Democrats are risking a government shutdown after rejecting a House passed funding bill that would keep the lights on in Washington.

[D]

This is a short term extension of existing funding, current funding.

[A]

The Democrats are trying to hijack it.

[D]

To get a trillion dollars in new spending.

[C]

Thanks for waking up with MORNING wire. Stay tuned. We have the news you need to know.

[E]

This episode is brought to you by American Beverage, representing the local and many family owned bottlers and distributors of Coca Cola, Dr. Pepper and Pepsi products operating in all 50 states. These are drinks we've all loved for generations. These iconic brands are part of the American story and have been for over 100 years. With all the talks about American jobs lately, American beverage companies have been delivering on that promise all along. They always have been and always will be American companies making American products with American workers in American hometowns. 270,000 men and women in all 50 states show up every day, do the work and deliver for our economy and our communities. Learn more about America's beverage companies@wedeliver for.

[C]

America.org A shooter opened fire at an ICE facility in Dallas Wednesday, killing multiple immigrant detainees.

[B]

Daily Wire immigration reporter Jenny Terre joins us now with the latest. So Jenny, can you fill us in what exactly happened yesterday morning?

[F]

Right, so we had a shooter who was actually at the vantage point of a rooftop nearby an ICE detention center that he opened fire on that resulted in at least two fatalities who happened to be illegal immigrants that ICE was loading into the facility. We know that he was up high on that rooftop. He was later found dead there as well after a self inflicted gunshot wound, according to authorities.

[B]

And what do we know so far about the shooter. Do we have any kind of possible motive?

[F]

Well, Fox News is reporting that his name is Joshua John. He's a 29 year old. We don't know necessarily everything about him at this point. What we do know is from the FBI director, Kash Patel, he revealed a photo of shell casings that were left at the scene by the alleged shooter that showed a message anti ICE that was on them that revealed what he believes is an ideological motive. And meanwhile, he does say there is an ongoing investigation into this, but many have already tagged this as a left wing attack. As part of just a string of those that we're seeing across the country against ice, against law enforcement. There's been similar attacks carried out, including at this very facility Wednesday where the attack occurred just weeks ago. You had an individual who showed up, was luckily arrested, but he had a, you know, he said he had a bomb in his backpack and a detonator on his wrist. And he told the ICE officer that luckily a bomb squad responded and the facility was put on lockdown. There's been similar attacks. This is something also that Senator Ted Cruz spoke about at a press conference with federal law enforcement and the Dallas Police Department on Wednesday where they revealed more information about this. He actually called for his colleagues on the other side of the aisle to lower the temperature when it comes to their rhetoric out in the public.

[D]

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

[G]

Look, in America, we disagree.

[D]

That's fine. That's the democratic process. But your political opponents are not Nazis. We need to learn to work together without demonizing each other, without attacking each other.

[B]

Now, what are you hearing from your sources on the ground about this shooting? Is ICE on high alert at this point because of this? Is this, is this pattern of violence going to affect their operations at all?

[F]

Right, so we know already that ICE has been operating amid a 1000% increase in assaults. So they see it every day when they're carrying out arrests and their normal operations. Today, unfortunately, this is a continued part of that. You know, this is an egregious example of it, but it was actually the intent of the shooter. According to authorities, they believe that the shooter was targeting ICE officers on Wednesday morning and saw an unmarked van pull into the facility and notice people coming out and shot at them. They happen to be illegal immigrants that were being loaded in for processing instead of his intended targets of ICE officers. So they happened to be collateral damage. This is something that the Department of Homeland Security has emphasized that anti ICE agitators want to target ICE officers. They want to go after law enforcement, but they are putting these illegal immigrant detainees, who they advocate for, at risk.

[B]

Jenny, thank you so much for reporting.

[F]

Thank you.

[E]

You know, I'm the kind of guy who really enjoys cooking. I take pride in what I put on my plate. So when I learned that over 4 billion pounds of meat were imported into the US last year and can still be labeled like it's from here, I just couldn't get it out of my head. That's what led me to good ranchers. All their meat is 100% American, sourced from right here from local farms and ranches. And I can taste it in every bite. Personally, I love to give my good rancher steak a good dry rub before sauteing it in butter, giving it a great taste. There's no better way to make it. I've been subscribing for months now and I love the whole experience. I get $25 off every box, free shipping and they throw in a free gift for life. I've gotten their chicken thighs, bacon and even Italian sausage, which was phenomenal. Plus if I'm traveling for work or I just need a break, I can pause or delay my delivery anytime. No hassle and no commitment pressure Right now. If you use our code wire, you'll get $40 off your first box plus free meat for life when you subs support American farms and families all while eating better. That's wire for $40 off plus free meat for life. Goodranchers.com welcome to the table.

[B]

A Covid era housing bailout spent 10 billion paying Americans mortgages and even their HOA dues. But 40% of the funds went to black Americans due to the program including explicit racial preferences.

[C]

Now some white residents are suing their states saying the government illegally withheld assistance from them based on race. Here with more is Daily Wire investigative reporter Luke Ro Grosiak who broke this story. So Luke, what did you find here?

[A]

Hey guys. So this is really probably one of the largest race based wealth transfers in the history of the US Government. And it really happened because it came number one during COVID when we were just hemorrhaging billions of dollars. And number two, during that height of racial insanity a couple years ago. So this is a program called the Homeowner Assistance Fund and it gave people up to $50,000 a piece to pay housing related bills. It was passed by Congress and required about half the money to go to homeowners who are at below the median income, while the remainder could go to wealthier people, but with priority being given to, quote, socially disadvantaged homeowners. So these socially disadvantaged people, who have more money than most, literally go straight to the front of the line for these huge payments, which essentially excludes everyone else, because there's going to be no money left over after that.

[C]

So the key here is that term socially disadvantaged. How exactly is that defined?

[A]

That's where it gets interesting. Congress never defined it, and the program was actually run separately by each state. The states got the money after submitting plans to the feds. But the Biden administration heavily suggested a definition for those states to include in those plans, quoting here, those who have been subjected to racial or ethnic prejudice or cultural bias. The presumption is the following individuals are socially disadvantaged. Black Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, and Asian Americans. Now, the result was Stark. In Alabama, 85% of those funds went to black residents. In Georgia, it was 82%.

[C]

So one minority group got the vast majority of the funds in those states.

[A]

Yeah, and that's especially surprising because just based on the fact that half the money was supposed to be doled out based on income, you should have seen more people of various races. Only about half of Georgians below the median income are black. Plaintiffs in a lawsuit said that's because Georgia deliberately ensured that white people didn't even know it existed. The state's plan included texting residents to let them know about this opportunity for $50,000, but it only texted residents of counties with heavy minority populations.

[C]

So this was a state program? In a state with a Republican governor. Were the states required to use race as a criteria?

[A]

No, although that wasn't made quite clear by the Biden administration. One example that proves that it wasn't required is California. Actually, they defined socially disadvantaged in a way that had nothing to do with race. They defined it as who lived in census tracts with historically high foreclosure rates. Which makes sense for a program intended to stave off foreclosures due to Covid. But a lot of states did end up using this Biden administration definition. And now Georgia, Missouri, and Oklahoma are all being sued by residents for going along with it, even though politicians there say they oppose dei.

[C]

Right. So tell us about those lawsuits in those states.

[A]

In Missouri, the program was administered by a housing commission where the governor, lieutenant governor, and attorney general are commissioned. Missouri partnered with the black Chamber of Commerce to advertise the program, and 44% of the money went to blacks who make up less than 12% of the population of that state. A spokeswoman for Missouri Gov. Mike Cahoe declined to comment on the ongoing litigation, but called him a, quote, strong advocate for removing dei in Oklahoma. Plaintiffs include a massage therapist who is forced out of a job by COVID policies and her disabled veteran husband. They point out that the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency said prominently on its website that African American, Hispanic, Latino, Native American, LGBTQ residents would get preference for this government money. All of Oklahoma's top officials are Republican and the housing agency is run by a board appointed by the governor. The board's chair was appointed in 2019 to a five year term by Governor Kevin Stitt. Stitt then reappointed that chair after he created this race based program. Stitt didn't return my request for comment.

[C]

It sounds like a lot of questions still to be answered about these programs. Luke, thanks so much for reporting.

[A]

Thank you.

[C]

President Trump canceled a meeting this week with Democratic congressional leaders to discuss government funding. The president blasted Democrats demands as, quote, unserious and ridiculous as government funding is set to expire at the end of the month.

[B]

Here to discuss the looming shutdown is Daily Wire reporter Tim Pierce. So Tim, where do negotiations stand right now?

[D]

Well, the deadline to avert a partial government shutdown is September 30th. That gives lawmakers less than a week. House Republicans have already passed a clean seven week funding extension. It's in the Senate where things are getting sticky. Even though the GOP holds a majority, Republicans need 60 votes, which means they need some Democrats. The White House had planned to meet this week with Democratic leaders Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries. But Trump scrapped that over Democratic demands. He doubled down on Wednesday, writing on Truth Social that Democratic demands include free health care for illegal aliens, half a billion dollars for radical left news outlets, leaving dead people on Medicaid and Social Security roles and men playing in women's sports.

[B]

So a bunch of non starters there. But I imagine Democrats are packaging things differently. What are they saying?

[D]

They're saying that they won't back down. Schumer and Jefferies have been on a media blitz this week after the meeting fell apart. Here's Schumer on MSNBC yesterday morning.

[G]

We're asking something very simple, Joe, for the president to sit down and talk with us. You know, he's not the king. He can't just dictate what happened. He said he doesn't need Democrats. Well, then he doesn't know how to count because there are 60 votes in the Senate that you need to pass this, and he's got 53.

[D]

The main line of attack from Democrats appears to be over health care. Here's Jefferies.

[A]

Republicans have engaged in an unprecedented assault on the health care of the American people throughout this year. The largest cut to Medicaid in American history.

[E]

Millions of people are going to lose.

[A]

Coverage because of what Republicans have done.

[D]

According to some reports, Senate Majority Leader John Thune and House Speaker Mike Johnson urged Trump to cancel the meeting this week. Congressional Republicans thought that Democrats were unserious and that the meeting would erode their leverage. Johnson sent the House into recess after it passed its seven week extension. And he said that he won't recall lawmakers to D.C. until after the September 30 deadline. So if Democrats don't agree to a clean bill, it'll be a fight over who takes the blame for the shutdown.

[B]

So what's the most likely outcome? Do we think the Democrats are going to follow through and force a shutdown?

[D]

Yeah. For that Morning Wire spoke to Richard Stern. He's the director of the center for the Federal Budget at the Heritage Foundation. His guess is that the Democrats ultimately cave, at least in the short term, and pass the House's clean extension. But if they don't, Democrats are likely to take the brunt of the blame for a government shutdown.

[G]

I think at the end of the day, they're probably going to be the ones that really take on the political odium of having, you know, stop the entire government, put our defense on the line, border security, just to get some funding for DII and climate stuff. So I think they probably end up taking the blame for this.

[D]

Stern said that this funding battle is unlike any in recent history in that it actually involves real cuts being made to the federal budget.

[G]

So Congress is used to, Democrats are used to bidding up how much government money, you know, how much the government spends. And what happened this time, and this is quite unprecedented, is the president and Republicans were actually willing to pass a bill clawing back spending after it got passed. And so I think Democrats understand that whatever they negotiate in a funding bill, it's not set in stone that they're now looking at a Republican Party that is united in the use of Congress and the White House to remove spending after the approach bills are done. So I think it has them a little more gunshot. I think it has them feeling a little more chaotic about it and feeling like they have to put up more of a fight than they would otherwise do. I think that's the other wrinkle that's actually unique to this funding fight.

[D]

The fight will likely come down to the last second, so we probably won't know about a partial shutdown until next week.

[B]

Well, the American people really dislike when this happens, so it is a gamble for Democrats. Tim, thanks for reporting.

[D]

Thanks for having me on.

[C]

Thanks for waking up with us. And if you're watching on YouTube, don't forget to like and subscribe. We'll be back this evening with more news you need to know.