Phoenix Officer Accused of Provoking Student Protesters Placed on Paid Leave

Department investigating sergeant's actions at anti-ICE protest, says it will not tolerate conduct that undermines community trust.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 1:57am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a police badge reflecting a harsh, direct camera flash, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic that conceptually represents the need for accountability in law enforcement's handling of protests.A police badge under harsh interrogation-style lighting symbolizes the need for accountability and transparency in law enforcement's response to public protests.Phoenix Today

Phoenix police have placed Sgt. Dusten Mullen on paid administrative leave after a Chandler police report found he was trying to provoke student protesters into assaulting him at a January demonstration against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Police Chief Matthew Giordano said the department is committed to accountability and transparency, and will communicate the findings of its investigation publicly.

Why it matters

The incident highlights ongoing tensions between law enforcement and protesters, especially young activists, and raises questions about the appropriate response by police to constitutionally protected demonstrations. It also comes as the Phoenix Police Department faces scrutiny over its handling of past protests and a federal investigation into its practices.

The details

According to the Chandler police report, Mullen attended the January 30th student-led protest dressed in a full face mask and armed with a pistol, allegedly trying to provoke the teenagers into assaulting him. When a Chandler officer approached Mullen, he was telling the students to 'grow up and act like adults.' Mullen claimed the protesters had struck his car with flags, though the officer did not witness that. Mullen later told the Chandler officer his 'plan is legitimately to just let them all assault me and you guys arrest them all and I'll keep it on film.'

  • On January 30, 2026, the incident occurred at a student-led protest against ICE.
  • On April 10, 2026, Phoenix Police Chief Matthew Giordano announced Sgt. Dusten Mullen had been placed on paid administrative leave pending the investigation.

The players

Matthew Giordano

The police chief of the Phoenix Police Department, who announced the investigation into Sgt. Mullen's actions and said the department will not tolerate conduct that undermines community trust.

Dusten Mullen

A sergeant with the Phoenix Police Department who was placed on paid leave after a Chandler police report found he was trying to provoke student protesters into assaulting him at an anti-ICE demonstration.

Timothy Murphy

A Chandler police officer who approached Sgt. Mullen at the protest and documented his statements in the police report.

Steve Serbalik

The attorney representing Sgt. Mullen, who said he hopes the investigation will 'consider all factors and result in a fair report.'

Jeri Williams

The former Phoenix Police Chief who was temporarily suspended after the department faced scrutiny over its handling of protests in 2020.

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What they’re saying

“As law enforcement professionals, we are held to higher standards of conduct — both in and out of uniform. Our community expects integrity, accountability and sound judgment from every member of this department, and I expect the same.”

— Matthew Giordano, Phoenix Police Chief

“My plan is legitimately to just let them all assault me and you guys arrest them all and I'll keep it on film. I also have other people filming from distance. So my goal (unintelligible) to get all these kids in jail if they want to break the law.”

— Dusten Mullen, Phoenix Police Sergeant

What’s next

The Phoenix Police Department's Professional Standards Bureau is conducting an investigation into Sgt. Mullen's actions, and Chief Giordano said he will communicate the findings publicly as soon as they are made.

The takeaway

This incident raises serious concerns about the appropriate response by police to constitutionally protected protest activity, and underscores the need for continued training and accountability measures to ensure law enforcement upholds the highest standards of conduct and builds community trust.