Community Demands Justice at Vigil for Man Killed by Off-Duty ICE Agent in Northridge

By Rob Redding

Editor & Publisher

NEW YORK, Jan. 5, 2025, 7 p.m. — Community members gathered Sunday night in Northridge for a vigil honoring Keith Porter, a 43-year-old father of two who was fatally shot by an off-duty ICE agent on New Year’s Eve. The incident has sparked outrage and calls for accountability from local residents and activists.

According to authorities, the off-duty ICE agent heard gunfire near his apartment around midnight and responded by stepping outside. The incident escalated when Porter, reportedly armed with a long rifle, pointed the weapon at the officer. The officer identified himself as law enforcement, but Porter allegedly aimed his rifle at him. The officer then fired his weapon, killing Porter.

The Department of Homeland Security states that Porter fired three rounds at the officer before he was shot. Family and community members contest the account, emphasizing Porter’s peaceful nature and the circumstances of the night. “He was just celebrating New Year’s,” said family friend Bishop Jack Wilson. “This is a tragedy, and we want justice.”

Keith Porter’s cousin, Jsane' Tyler, expressed anger and grief, saying, “You stole my cousin, his children’s father, a human life that God ordained to thrive. He was loved by everyone who knew him.”

The community gathered at the vigil organized by Black Lives Matter Los Angeles, which is demanding the officer’s identification, arrest, and prosecution. They are also urging witnesses to come forward to assist in the ongoing investigation.

Neighbors who attended the vigil described the incident as unprecedented in their community, with Judy Palachie remarking, “I’ve lived here 35 years, and nothing like this has happened before.”

As authorities continue their investigation, community leaders and activists are calling for transparency and justice in the case, emphasizing the importance of accountability in law enforcement actions.

Rob Redding is the author of Black Power in the Age of Artificial Supremacy Featuring Redding-Shim Kwet Yung out on Amazon.com now. He is the bestselling author of 17 books. He is the host of Redding News Review Unrestricted and creator of ReddingNewsReview.com. He is also an emerging visual artist who lives and teaches at two colleges in New York City.