Family of L.A. man killed by ICE agent seeks grand jury investigation

The family of Keith Porter Jr., a 43-year-old Los Angeles man killed by an off-duty U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent, is calling for a grand jury investigation into the shooting. Following a meeting with Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman, the family requested that the decision regarding criminal charges against the agent, Brian Palacios, be left to a panel of county residents.

The incident occurred on New Year’s Eve at a Northridge apartment complex. While the Department of Homeland Security initially described Porter as an “active shooter,” his relatives and attorney Jamal Tooson maintain he posed no threat. Police reported recovering a rifle at the scene, and investigators noted bullet impacts behind Palacios, suggesting Porter had fired toward him.

Attorney Tooson claims audio from a neighbor’s Ring camera will demonstrate that Palacios failed to identify himself as law enforcement during the confrontation. District Attorney Hochman stated he is in the early stages of reviewing the incident and has not provided a timetable for a decision on whether to pursue charges.