Advocates seek legal action after off-duty ICE agent kills man in Northridge

Press Conference Calls for Legal Action After Shooting in Northridge

NORTHRIDGE, LOS ANGELES (KABC) — A press conference on Monday urged legal action following the shooting death of a man in Northridge by an off-duty ICE agent on New Year’s Eve.

The Department of Homeland Security states that the man had a rifle and pointed it at the agent.

The family seeks answers and is demanding a thorough investigation. About a dozen family members and community supporters gathered on Monday to voice their concerns.

Family Remembers Keith Porter

“From day one that he was born, I knew that he was my joy,” said Franceola Armstrong, the mother of 43-year-old Keith Porter.

Armstrong described her son as caring, hardworking, and uplifting to those around him.

“When he came around, people looked for him. He was a joy to be around. My son had the biggest heart, was sympathetic, appreciative, and full of gratitude,” Armstrong said.

Details of the Incident

On New Year’s Eve, the father of two was shot and killed by an off-duty ICE agent.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, the ICE agent heard gunshots outside his apartment that seemed to be getting closer. DHS states, “The officer took his ICE-authorized firearm and left his apartment to investigate.”

Family members say Porter fired gunshots outside as part of a New Year’s Eve celebration.

“He claims he heard gunshots getting closer to his apartment, but rather than staying safe, he left his apartment and went downstairs into danger,” said attorney Jamal Tooson from Lessem, Newstat & Tooson.

Conflicting Accounts of the Shooting

DHS reports that the ICE agent identified himself, and that’s when Porter aimed the rifle at him. The agent ordered Porter to put down the weapon. When Porter did not comply, the agent shot him. The agency claims Porter fired three rounds at the officer before he died. The off-duty ICE officer was not injured.

Advocates assert that Porter fired gunshots as part of a celebration before he was shot.

However, Tooson mentions they have spoken with neighbors who did not hear the agent identify himself.

Family’s Call for Accountability

Now, Porter’s family and attorney are seeking answers. They argue that the ICE officer was not trained for this situation and should have called the police and waited for their arrival.

“But instead of staying in his apartment for a trained law enforcement officer from LAPD to respond, he made the premeditated and calculated decision to grab a firearm,” Tooson said.

Eyewitness News contacted the Los Angeles Police Department, which is investigating the case. The department stated it had no updates.