Petition Calls for Arrest of ICE Agent Who Fatally Shot Keith Porter Jr.

Family seeks justice and transparent investigation after off-duty ICE agent kills 43-year-old Black man on New Year's Eve

Jan. 28, 2026 at 10:31pm

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The family of Keith Porter Jr., a 43-year-old Black man fatally shot by an off-duty Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent on New Year's Eve, is calling for the agent's arrest and prosecution. A petition with 18,000 signatures was delivered to the LAPD, demanding accountability and a transparent investigation into the shooting. Porter's family described him as a loving father and center of the family, and they dispute the agent's claim that Porter had exchanged fire with him.

Why it matters

This incident has sparked outrage in the community and renewed calls for police accountability, particularly when it involves the use of lethal force by law enforcement against Black individuals. The family's pursuit of justice highlights the ongoing struggles faced by communities of color in seeking transparency and equal treatment under the law.

The details

According to reports, off-duty ICE agent Brian Palacios fatally shot Keith Porter Jr. on New Year's Eve in Northridge, California. Porter's family disputes Palacios' claim that Porter had exchanged fire with him, and court records have surfaced alleging a history of violent behavior by Palacios, including claims of physically abusing his own children and making racist and homophobic remarks. The family is seeking a transparent investigation and the arrest and prosecution of Palacios for Porter's death.

  • Private services for Keith Porter Jr. were held on Friday, January 23, 2026.
  • On Tuesday, January 27, 2026, Black Lives Matter-Los Angeles delivered a petition with 18,000 signatures to LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell, calling for Palacios' arrest and prosecution.

The players

Keith Porter Jr.

A 43-year-old Black man who was fatally shot by an off-duty ICE agent on New Year's Eve in Northridge, California. He was described as a loving father and center of his family.

Brian Palacios

An off-duty Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent who fatally shot Keith Porter Jr. on New Year's Eve. Court records allege a history of violent behavior, including claims of physically abusing his own children and making racist and homophobic remarks.

Jsane Tyler

The cousin of Keith Porter Jr., who said that Palacios "stole" Porter from the family.

Jim McDonnell

The LAPD Chief who received the petition from Black Lives Matter-Los Angeles calling for Palacios' arrest and prosecution.

Black Lives Matter-Los Angeles

The organization that delivered the petition with 18,000 signatures to the LAPD Chief, demanding accountability and a transparent investigation into the shooting of Keith Porter Jr.

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What they’re saying

“We are asking people to continue to sign the petition.”

— Jsane Tyler, Cousin of Keith Porter Jr.

What’s next

The shooting is reportedly being investigated by the LAPD, the FBI and the U.S. Department of Justice, as it involves a federal agent. The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Brian Palacios out on bail.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the ongoing struggle for police accountability and transparency, particularly when it comes to the use of lethal force against Black individuals. The family's pursuit of justice underscores the need for comprehensive reforms to address systemic racism and ensure equal protection under the law for all.