On December 31, 2025, 43-year-old Keith Porter Jr. — a father, friend, and community member in Northridge, Los Angeles — was fatally shot by an off-duty U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent outside his apartment complex. The tragedy, which took place during New Year’s Eve celebrations, has left Porter’s family and neighborhood grieving and demanding answers.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, the ICE agent responded to what he believed was an “active shooter situation” after hearing gunshots near his home. Officials have said the agent confronted Porter, who was armed, and that an exchange of gunfire ensued — prompting the agent to open fire.

However, Porter’s loved ones dispute this account. They say he was firing shots into the air as part of a New Year’s celebration — a dangerous but common tradition — and that there is no evidence Porter posed a lethal threat to the federal officer. They also say the agent did not clearly identify himself before firing.

Porter’s family and attorneys have called for a full, transparent investigation. They argue that earlier intervention by local police — rather than a deadly confrontation by an off-duty federal agent — may have prevented the tragedy. Advocates and community members have pushed for oversight by independent authorities, including the California attorney general’s office, expressing concern over how the case has been handled so far.

Friends and relatives describe Porter as a joyful, hardworking man with a big heart — a “girl dad” devoted to his two daughters and his community. Many have gathered in candlelight vigils to honor his life and to call for accountability, insisting that his death should not be swept aside or accepted without scrutiny.

As the investigation continues, Porter’s family remains steadfast in their demand for transparency and justice, determined that his name and story not be forgotten. Their fight highlights broader questions about the use of force by law enforcement — especially by officers acting outside their official duties — and the need for clearer protocols to protect lives and ensure accountability. 🕊️