Phoenix Sergeant Investigated for Actions at Student Protest

Sergeant Dusten Mullen put on leave as Chandler official calls for his firing over confrontation with students at ICE protest

Apr. 13, 2026 at 2:06am

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A cinematic painting of a solitary police officer standing alone on a dimly lit city street corner, the warm glow of streetlights casting deep shadows across his face and uniform, conveying a sense of isolation and the heavy burden of upholding public trust.A lone police officer stands vigil on a deserted city street, the weight of public trust and responsibility heavy on his shoulders.Phoenix Today

A sergeant with the Phoenix Police Department was put on administrative leave as his off-duty actions at a January student protest against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Chandler are being investigated. The sergeant, Dusten Mullen, reportedly showed up fully armed and masked to the protest conducted by Hamilton High School students, confronted the students despite police intervention, and said he was going to call other armed individuals to the area.

Why it matters

This incident raises concerns about the conduct of law enforcement officers, both on and off duty, and the potential impact their actions can have on the community's trust in the police department. It also highlights the ongoing tensions around immigration enforcement and the role of law enforcement in responding to protests.

The details

According to a Chandler police report, Sgt. Dusten Mullen showed up fully armed and masked to an ICE protest conducted by Hamilton High School students in January. The report states that Mullen confronted the students despite police intervention and said he was going to call other armed individuals to the area. Phoenix Police Chief Matt Giordano said the department will not tolerate actions that undermine the trust the community has placed in the department.

  • On January 10, 2026, Sgt. Dusten Mullen allegedly confronted students at an ICE protest in Chandler.
  • On April 14, 2026, Sgt. Dusten Mullen was put on administrative leave as the incident is being investigated.

The players

Sgt. Dusten Mullen

A sergeant with the Phoenix Police Department who is under investigation for his actions at a student protest against ICE in Chandler.

Matt Giordano

The Phoenix Police Chief who stated the department will not tolerate actions that undermine the community's trust.

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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

What’s next

The Phoenix Police Department is investigating Sgt. Dusten Mullen's actions at the student protest, and a decision will be made on whether disciplinary action is warranted.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the need for law enforcement to maintain professionalism and build trust with the community, even when off-duty. It raises questions about the appropriate response to protests and the balance between protecting public safety and respecting the right to free speech and assembly.