The family of Keith Porter Jr, a 43-year-old father of two fatally shot by an off-duty US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer on New Year's Eve, are calling for the arrest and prosecution of the federal agent. The shooting occurred outside Porter's apartment complex in Northridge, Los Angeles.
According to Los Angeles police, Porter had fired gunshots into the air. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated the off-duty officer was 'forced to defensively use his weapon' while responding to an 'active shooter'. However, Porter's family and activists argue he was celebrating the new year and posed no threat. Attorney Jamal Tooson said Porter's actions may have warranted a citation, not a 'death sentence'.
Community groups, including Black Lives Matter Los Angeles, have mobilised to demand the LAPD reveal the officer's name and pursue charges. Criminal defence lawyer Stacie Halpern later identified the officer as Brian Palacios, asserting the shooting was lawful self-defence.
The incident has heightened concerns over ICE's tactics, especially following the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE officer in Minneapolis last week. Footage contradicted initial DHS claims that Good ran over the officer. No video of Porter's shooting exists, and authorities have disclosed few details.
Wanda Turner, a longtime family friend, expressed her grief: 'I'm heartbroken and I know that ache will never go away. The officer needs to surrender and do what's right.' Porter leaves behind daughters aged 10 and 20.
