Phoenix Sergeant Placed on Leave After Confronting Students at ICE Protest

Sergeant Dusten Mullen's off-duty actions at a Chandler student protest are under investigation by the Phoenix Police Department.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 1:09am

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A solitary police officer in uniform stands alone on a dimly lit city street, the scene bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conveying a sense of melancholy and introspection about the weight of the situation.A Phoenix police sergeant's confrontation with student protesters raises concerns about the conduct of law enforcement officers and the delicate balance between public safety and the right to peaceful demonstration.Phoenix Today

A sergeant with the Phoenix Police Department was placed on administrative leave after his off-duty actions at a January student protest against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Chandler, Arizona. According to a Chandler police report, Sgt. Dusten Mullen showed up fully armed and masked to the protest, confronted students despite police intervention, and said he was going to call other armed individuals to the area.

Why it matters

The incident has raised concerns about the conduct of law enforcement officers, both on and off duty, and the potential for abuse of power when interacting with student protesters. It has also sparked calls for accountability and transparency from the Phoenix Police Department and city officials.

The details

Sgt. Dusten Mullen, a Phoenix police officer, attended the student protest against ICE in Chandler while off-duty and fully armed. According to the police report, Mullen confronted the students despite intervention from Chandler police officers, and threatened to call in additional armed individuals. A 15-year-old girl was allegedly arrested during the protest for throwing water on Mullen, but the Maricopa County Attorney's Office is not pursuing charges against her.

  • The incident occurred during a student protest against ICE in Chandler, Arizona in January 2026.
  • Sgt. Dusten Mullen was placed on administrative leave by the Phoenix Police Department on April 11, 2026.

The players

Sgt. Dusten Mullen

A sergeant with the Phoenix Police Department who attended a student protest against ICE in Chandler, Arizona while off-duty and fully armed.

Matt Giordano

The chief of the Phoenix Police Department, who stated that the department will not tolerate actions that undermine the community's trust.

OD Harris

A Chandler City Council member who accused Sgt. Mullen of trying to entrap the student protesters and called for his immediate firing and a citywide ban from Chandler.

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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. When we fall short, we must be accountable, and we will not tolerate actions which undermine the trust the community has placed in the department.'”

— Matt Giordano, Phoenix Police Chief

“'Your child is there with your permission to protest. Here comes an agitator whose goal is to literally undermine to create malice entrapment. … He came to my city to manufacture chaos, get these kids to respond and get them all riled up and get them going so that way he can have them all arrested.'”

— OD Harris, Chandler City Council member

What’s next

The Phoenix Police Department's investigation into Sgt. Dusten Mullen's actions at the Chandler student protest will be reviewed by Chief Matt Giordano, who will determine what disciplinary action, if any, will be taken.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the need for law enforcement officers to maintain high standards of conduct, both on and off duty, and to build and maintain trust with the communities they serve. It also raises questions about the appropriate role of police in student protests and the potential for abuse of power.