Attorneys Call for California AG to Investigate ICE Agent Shooting

Lawyers for man killed by off-duty ICE agent allege LAPD bias toward federal agency

Feb. 3, 2026 at 8:47pm

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Attorneys for Keith Porter Jr., who was shot and killed by an off-duty ICE agent on New Year's Eve, are calling for California Attorney General Rob Bonta to take over the investigation of the incident. They allege a lack of confidence in the LAPD and U.S. Justice Department, and claim LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell has shown bias toward the Trump administration and federal immigration agencies.

Why it matters

The fatal shooting of Keith Porter has become a rallying point for local activists, raising concerns about transparency and impartiality in the investigation. The attorneys' request for an outside investigation reflects growing distrust between the community and law enforcement over use-of-force incidents.

The details

According to the attorneys, witnesses have come forward saying Porter, 43, appeared to be walking back to his apartment when he was shot and was not a threat to anyone. They also noted that witnesses did not hear the federal officer identify himself before firing three shots. The ICE agent's attorney has claimed there is evidence Porter shot first, but the attorneys representing Porter's family dispute this.

  • The fatal incident occurred around 10:30 p.m. on Dec. 31, 2025 at the Village Pointe Apartments on Roscoe Boulevard.
  • The attorneys held a news conference on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 to call for the California Attorney General to take over the investigation.

The players

Keith Porter Jr.

A 43-year-old Los Angeles man who was shot and killed by an off-duty ICE agent on New Year's Eve.

Ben Crump

An attorney who is supporting Porter's family but not acting as their legal counsel. He has previously represented the families of Trayvon Martin and Michael Brown in other high-profile civil rights cases.

Jamal Tooson

An attorney representing Porter's mother, Franceola Armstrong, in calling for an independent investigation by the California Attorney General.

Rob Bonta

The California Attorney General whose office the attorneys are requesting take over the investigation.

Jim McDonnell

The LAPD Chief whom the attorneys allege has shown bias toward the Trump administration and federal immigration agencies.

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What they’re saying

“The family has not been confident that LAPD, with their close relationships with the ICE officials, that there's going to be a fair and transparent investigation. Because them trying to whitewash the investigation into the death of Keith Porter is a nonstarter. We're not going to allow that to happen.”

— Ben Crump, Attorney (latimes.com)

“So, forgive us, if we have skepticism of any claims of self defense.”

— Jamal Tooson, Attorney (latimes.com)

“I can't bring my son back, but I want justice for him. I want justice for my child.”

— Franceola Armstrong, Mother of Keith Porter Jr. (latimes.com)

What’s next

The California Attorney General's office will decide whether to take over the investigation from the LAPD.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between law enforcement and communities of color, and the need for independent, transparent investigations into use-of-force incidents to build public trust.