by Northridge, California — Civil rights advocates in Los Angeles are demanding an independent investigation after a man was fatally shot by an off-duty ICE agent on New Year’s Eve at the apartment complex where both men lived. The incident has sparked controversy over conflicting accounts of what happened and whether federal authorities mischaracterized the shooting.
Shooting occurred just before New Year’s Eve midnight
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, officers responded at 11:37 p.m. Wednesday to reports of a man firing a weapon at an apartment complex near the 17701 block of Roscoe Boulevard and Amestoy Avenue.
Police said an off-duty agent with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement was also present at the scene and exchanged gunfire with the man before LAPD officers arrived.
The man who was shot was pronounced dead at the scene.
Victim identified by advocates as Keith Porter Jr.
Civil rights leader Najee Ali of Project Islamic Hope identified the victim as Keith Porter Jr. and said the killing was unjustified.
“We believe that Keith Porter Jr. was unjustly shot and killed by an overzealous off-duty ICE agent,” Ali said.
Ali strongly disputed the federal government’s account that Porter was an “active shooter.”
Dispute over ‘active shooter’ claim
In a public statement, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security said the off-duty agent responded to what it described as an active shooter situation.
“On December 31st, an off-duty ICE Officer bravely responded to an active shooter situation at his apartment complex,” DHS said. “In order to protect his life and that of others, he was forced to defensively use his weapon and exchanged gunfire with the shooter.”
However, Ali said witnesses contradict that account.
“Porter was firing a rifle into the air to celebrate the new year, not targeting any individual,” Ali said. “Multiple eyewitnesses are prepared to testify to these facts.”
Ali accused federal officials of using the “active shooter” narrative to justify the killing.
Calls for California Attorney General investigation
Ali and other advocates are calling for the California Attorney General’s Office to take over the case.
They are demanding:
- An independent investigation
- Immediate release of all body-camera footage
- Ballistic evidence
- Witness statements
Advocates say transparency is critical to determine whether the use of deadly force was justified.
ICE agent not publicly identified
Federal officials have not released the name of the off-duty ICE agent involved. DHS said the agent was not injured and immediately contacted LAPD after the shooting.
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LAPD confirmed it is investigating the incident but has not publicly identified the victim or released additional details.
Vigil planned to honor victim
The shooting has prompted community response and organizing. Black Lives Matter Los Angeles announced a candlelight vigil for Porter.
The vigil is scheduled for:
- Sunday, January 4
- 6 p.m.
- 17171 Roscoe Boulevard, Northridge
Organizers say the gathering will honor Porter’s life and call attention to concerns about law enforcement accountability.
Investigation remains ongoing
As investigations continue, advocates say the case highlights broader concerns about use of force by off-duty law enforcement officers, transparency, and the treatment of Black men in police encounters.
Should off-duty federal agents be held to different standards when using force in civilian settings?
Share your thoughts in the comments as the investigation unfolds.
