Keith Porter Jr.
Killed · ICE · Northridge, Los Angeles, California
What happened
On New Year’s Eve, an off-duty ICE agent fatally shot Porter, 43, at a Northridge apartment complex where both lived. DHS framed it as an active-shooter response; Porter’s family said he was celebrating by firing a rifle into the air and posed no threat. Included because an ICE agent used deadly force—even though he was off duty.
Resistance to arrest
Not an immigration arrest. An off-duty ICE agent shot Porter during a New Year’s Eve encounter at their apartment complex. DHS described an active-shooter / armed confrontation; the family said celebratory gunfire. Resistance-to-arrest does not apply.
Officer / agency involvement
Off-duty ICE agent Brian Palacios (identified in court records / reporting) fired outside their shared apartment complex.
Official / DHS account
DHS said the agent heard approaching gunfire, went outside with his service weapon, ordered Porter to drop a long rifle, and fired after Porter pointed the weapon and exchanged fire.
Contested points & other evidence
Family and counsel dispute the active-shooter framing and say others were also firing celebratory shots. LAPD recovered a rifle; charging decision left to L.A. County DA after LAPD referral in mid-2026.
Investigation status
LAPD investigation referred to L.A. County DA (July 2026 reporting); under review. No federal criminal charges announced in that reporting.
Sources
How to read source labels
News outlets are tagged with a perceived lean (liberal, conservative, or neutral)—a simplified reading of common media-bias charts, not a verdict on accuracy. Official records (court filings, prosecutor releases, agency statements, legislative text) are listed separately and are not scored as “news,” though governments and prosecutors also have interests.
News coverage
- Los Angeles Times — dual claims after killingPerceived liberal
- CBS Los Angeles — family demands chargesPerceived liberal
- ABC7 — agent identified in court documentsPerceived neutral
- LAist — waiting on LAPD findingsPerceived neutral
No separate court filing or agency record is linked yet for this case—news accounts below may quote those documents. Primary links will be added when publicly available.