On December 31, 2025, the celebration of the New Year was tragically overshadowed by the death of Keith Porter, a beloved father and member of his community. Keith stepped outside his home in Northridge, California, to join in the New Year’s festivities by firing a gun into the air—a traditional act for many celebrating the arrival of 2026. In a shocking turn of events, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent, residing in the same complex, took deadly action. This agent donned tactical gear, retrieved his firearm, and shot Keith dead in front of his own residence.
Reports surrounding Keith’s murder have faced heavy criticism for portraying the shooter as a “hero” and labeling Keith, a dedicated family man who maintained a loving relationship with his mother and children, as a “suspect.” These narratives overlook Keith’s contributions to his community and the deep love he fostered among family and friends. His tragic death sparked immediate outrage, leading to a community vigil held just days later, highlighting the grave implications of ICE’s presence in neighborhoods across the nation.
Just days later, tragedy struck again when Renee Good was shot and killed by an ICE agent, Jonathan Ross, in Minneapolis on January 7, 2026. Renee, known for her work as a mother, poet, and community activist, was shot while driving and complying with orders to move. Following her death, the previous administration condemned her and praised her killer, further demonstrating the systemic issues at play regarding enforcement agencies like ICE.
The murders of Keith Porter and Renee Good highlight a disturbing trend of violence by ICE against citizens who should be protected by the law. Both individuals were American citizens, once viewed as out of ICE’s jurisdiction, yet their deaths illustrate the looming threat of such agencies, particularly in marginalized communities. According to alarming reports, ICE has been involved in increasing incidents of fatal violence, with 2025 marking a record high for deaths at the hands of ICE agents.
This tragic pattern is exacerbated by a significant increase in ICE’s budget, solidifying its status as one of the largest federal law enforcement agencies and raising concerns about the militarization of policing against ordinary citizens. As communities face escalating violence due to ICE, the work of organizations like Black Lives Matter continues to be vital. They emphasize the importance of solidarity in overcoming the systemic challenges posed by an agency viewed by many as acting with impunity.
In memory of Keith Porter and Renee Good, advocates call for increased awareness and a commitment to resist acts of injustice. As individuals and communities come together to confront the violence perpetuated by such agencies, the hope remains that through organizing and collective action, there can be a movement toward true justice and liberation for all affected by this unjust system.