Full Breakdown
Controversial ICE Shooting Leads to FBI Custody of Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez
4/14/2026, 11:13:57 PM
Incident Overview: Shooting by ICE Agents
On April 7, 2026, Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez was shot multiple times by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents during a traffic stop in Patterson, California. The incident occurred near Interstate 5 and Sperry Avenue, where ICE agents attempted to arrest Mendoza, who they claimed was a suspected gang member wanted for questioning in connection with a murder in El Salvador. According to ICE, Mendoza "weaponized his vehicle" by attempting to run over the agents, prompting them to open fire. However, Mendoza's attorney, Patrick Kolasinski, disputes this narrative, asserting that the agents fired first, leading Mendoza to flee in panic.
Eyewitness Accounts and Video Evidence
Eyewitness Cristina, who recorded the incident on her dashcam, claims that the agents fired their weapons before Mendoza attempted to reverse his vehicle. Her footage shows the car backing up and then colliding with another vehicle before moving forward into oncoming traffic. This contradicts ICE's assertion that Mendoza posed an immediate threat. Kolasinski has stated that Mendoza was shot in the jaw, arm, and abdomen, requiring multiple surgeries, and was in critical condition following the incident.
Hospital Release and FBI Custody
After spending several days in the intensive care unit, Mendoza was discharged from Doctors Medical Center on April 10, 2026, and immediately taken into FBI custody. His family and attorney were not notified prior to this transfer, raising concerns about his health and the legality of his release. Kolasinski expressed shock, stating that Mendoza was not in a condition suitable for transport, as he still had open wounds and required medical care.
Legal and Health Concerns
Mendoza's attorney has voiced concerns about the potential for serious infection due to his open wounds in a jail environment. The FBI has not disclosed the specific charges Mendoza may face, but Kolasinski anticipates that they could relate to attempted assault on a federal officer. The lack of communication from federal authorities regarding Mendoza's condition and whereabouts has left his family anxious and confused.
Official Statements and Responses
ICE Director Todd Lyons has maintained that Mendoza is a known gang member and that the shooting was justified. In contrast, Kolasinski has provided documentation from El Salvador indicating that Mendoza was acquitted of murder charges, disputing ICE's claims about his criminal background. The FBI has initiated an investigation into the shooting, but no timeline has been provided for when further details will be released.
Broader Implications and Criticism
This incident is part of a troubling pattern involving ICE's use of force during enforcement actions, particularly under the Trump administration's aggressive immigration policies. Critics argue that such incidents raise serious questions about the accountability of federal agents and the treatment of individuals in custody. As the investigation continues, the case of Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez highlights the complexities and controversies surrounding immigration enforcement in the United States.
What's Next
The FBI is expected to file charges against Mendoza in the coming days, while his attorney prepares to challenge any allegations made against him. The outcome of this case may have significant implications for both Mendoza's future and the broader discourse on immigration enforcement practices in the U.S.
