An Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation in the city of Patterson, California, has generated a strong controversy after the statements of Carlos Iván Mendoza Hernández, the driver who was shot and wounded by federal agents last Tuesday. According to his defense testimony, the officers opened fire before the vehicle made any movement.
The incident occurred in the city of Patterson, near Interstate 5, approximately 144 kilometers south of Sacramento. While immigration authorities maintain that the use of weapons was a defensive measure, the injured man’s attorney, Patrick Kolasinski, claims that his client attempted to flee only after the shooting had already begun, fearing for his physical integrity.
Carlos Iván Mendoza Hernández was fleeing the gunfire
“On April 7, 2026, ICE officers were conducting a targeted vehicle stop in Patterson, CA to arrest Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez, an 18th Street Gang member wanted in El Salvador for questioning in connection to a murder. As officers approached the car, the wanted gang member. .. https://t.co/JbkIuQAba5
– U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (@ICEgov) April 7, 2026
Todd Lyons, acting ICE director, issued a statement saying the agents fired “defensive shots” on the premise that Mendoza Hernandez attempted to run over one of the officers during an escape attempt.
This version is supported by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which justifies the action as a protective measure for the agents and the public present.
However, Kolasinski denied this narrative at a press conference, claiming that Mendoza Hernandez, who was on his way to work at the time of the interception, backed up his vehicle in reaction to the initial armed attack.
“He was very clear on this point: that he backed up (his vehicle) because he was trying to flee, given that he was being shot at,” the lawyer said.
The immigrant had to undergo multiple surgeries due to the severity of the injuries received.
Controversy over detainee’s record
ICE says a criminal illegal and alleged gang member from El Salvador “weaponized his vehicle in an attempt to run an officer over” during a vehicle stop in California.
Agents were conducting a targeted stop to arrest Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez, an alleged 18th Street Gang… pic.twitter.com/qZH6rDj5E7
– Fox News (@FoxNews) April 8, 2026
In addition to the dispute over the use of force, there is a contradiction over the profile of the driver.
ICE management identified Carlos Iván Mendoza Hernández as an alleged member of the “Calle 18” gang and stated that he has a search warrant in El Salvador in connection with a homicide case.
In response to these accusations, the defense attorney presented documentation that, according to him, proves the acquittal of his client in previous judicial proceedings in his country of origin.
Kolasinski described Mendoza Hernandez as a hard worker with no active criminal ties, strongly rejecting the gangster labels imposed by the federal agency.
This event comes at a time of intense scrutiny for ICE, following similar incidents reported in Minnesota earlier this year.
The investigation of the case is ongoing to determine whether the use of force protocol was properly applied under federal law.
