Full Breakdown
Shooting of Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez by ICE Agents Raises Questions of Mistaken Identity
4/9/2026, 10:48:14 PM
Incident Overview
On April 7, 2026, Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez, a 36-year-old man, was shot by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents during a traffic stop in Patterson, California, approximately 75 miles southeast of San Francisco. ICE officials claimed that Mendoza Hernandez was a suspected member of the 18th Street Gang wanted for questioning in connection with a murder in El Salvador. However, his attorney, Patrick Kolasinski, contends that Mendoza Hernandez was wrongfully targeted based on "bad information" and has no gang affiliations.
Background and Context
Mendoza Hernandez, who has lived in Patterson since 2019, is engaged to a U.S. citizen and has a two-year-old daughter who is also a U.S. citizen. He works in fire damage rehabilitation and was on his way to a job in the Bay Area when the incident occurred. Kolasinski stated that Mendoza Hernandez had previously been acquitted of murder charges in El Salvador and is not subject to any arrest warrants. He emphasized that Mendoza Hernandez has no criminal record in the U.S., having only received minor traffic violations.
Key Figures
- Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez: The man shot by ICE agents, described by his attorney as a family man and laborer.
- Patrick Kolasinski: Mendoza Hernandez's attorney, who has publicly disputed ICE's claims regarding his client's alleged gang membership and criminal history.
- Cindy: Mendoza Hernandez's fiancée, who has expressed concern for her partner's well-being and the impact of the incident on their family.
Official Statements & Responses
ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons stated that agents fired "defensive shots" after Mendoza Hernandez allegedly attempted to run over an officer with his vehicle. Kolasinski refuted this claim, arguing that Mendoza Hernandez was trying to flee in a moment of panic and did not pose a threat to the officers. He noted that dashcam footage shows Mendoza Hernandez backing away from the officers rather than advancing toward them.
Criticism & Opposition
Kolasinski criticized ICE's operational methods, suggesting that the agency's training may contribute to dangerous encounters. He drew parallels to previous incidents involving ICE, where claims of self-defense were later contradicted by video evidence. He stated, "That may well be ICE training, but if it is, it’s horrible training," highlighting concerns about the agency's approach to enforcement.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While ICE maintains that Mendoza Hernandez is a gang member wanted for questioning in a murder case, Kolasinski has presented court documents confirming Mendoza Hernandez's acquittal in El Salvador. The lack of clarity regarding Mendoza Hernandez's immigration status and the circumstances surrounding the traffic stop has left his family and attorney seeking answers.
What's Next
The FBI is currently leading the investigation into the shooting, while Mendoza Hernandez remains hospitalized. His family has expressed frustration over their inability to obtain information about his condition, with Kolasinski indicating that they are still uncertain about the legal implications of the incident. The family is considering potential legal action against ICE, although their immediate priority is ensuring Mendoza Hernandez's recovery.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Carlos is a family man who was on his way to work when he was detained by ICE.” — Patrick Kolasinski, Attorney
- “He was never in a gang.” — Patrick Kolasinski, Attorney
- “In this case, it is my family.” — Cindy, Fiancée of Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez
The shooting of Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez has sparked significant public interest and concern regarding ICE's practices and the treatment of individuals during enforcement actions.
