Frank Rondel
An off-duty Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer allegedly shot and killed a man who was armed with a firearm outside the officer’s Los Angeles apartment complex late on New Year’s Eve, reports Customreceipt via the ABC. The incident occurred in the Northridge neighborhood, according to the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE operations.
The ICE officer, who works in Enforcement and Removal Operations, was inside his apartment at approximately 10:45 p.m. local time Wednesday when he reportedly heard multiple shots, DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin stated. Responding to the suspected gunfire, the officer went outside carrying his ICE-authorized service weapon. Around the corner of the apartment building, he encountered a man holding what appeared to be a long rifle.
After identifying himself as law enforcement, the ICE officer allegedly commanded the individual to lower the weapon. When the man refused and reportedly aimed at the officer, the officer fired defensively to disarm him, McLaughlin said. The man allegedly fired at least three rounds toward the officer during the confrontation.
Following the initial exchange, the ICE officer returned to his apartment to retrieve his issued body armor for additional protection before notifying the Los Angeles Police Department. Upon arrival, LAPD officers discovered the man, who was pronounced dead at the scene. The ICE officer did not sustain any injuries.
According to sources, the deceased man had no known prior connection to the ICE officer. DHS confirmed that ICE’s Office of Professional Responsibility is working in coordination with the LAPD as the investigation continues. The Los Angeles Police Department verified its response to a shots-fired call involving a federal agent but did not provide further details.
Earlier we wrote that Zohran Mamdani sworn in as New York City’s first Muslim and youngest mayor.