Controversy Erupts After ICE Shooting of Dual Citizen in California

Thu Apr 09 2026 00:16:59 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

The arrest of Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez by ICE agents in Central California has sparked disputes over the circumstances of his shooting and the claims against him.

Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez, a dual citizen of El Salvador and Mexico, was shot by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents during an arrest. His attorney denies claims that he attempted to run over officers or has an active warrant in El Salvador. This incident raises questions regarding the treatment of undocumented individuals amidst the government’s aggressive immigration policies.

MODESTO, Calif. — Controversy erupts over the shooting of Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez, who was shot by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents during an enforcement stop in Patterson, California. Mendoza's attorney, Patrick Kolasinski, asserts that his client did not attempt to run over the officers, contradicting claims from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

According to DHS, the incident occurred as they were attempting to apprehend Mendoza, a 36-year-old suspected gang member wanted in El Salvador for questioning regarding a murder. However, Kolasinski states that Mendoza has been stopped only for minor traffic violations and has no criminal record in the U.S. He also noted that Mendoza has been acquitted of murder in El Salvador.

If he was released after being acquitted, with no other holds on him, he cannot have a warrant,” Kolasinski said. “So that information must be either erroneous or completely made up.” He also challenges the notion that Mendoza is part of any street gang.

Mendoza’s fiancée, Cindy, spoke out about the impact of the Trump administration's immigration policies on families like theirs, voicing concern for her partner's safety. The couple shares a two-year-old daughter.

Dashcam footage reportedly shows Mendoza's vehicle moving towards the officers who had drawn their weapons, adding complexity to the incident's timeline and actions taken. The footage lacks audio, leaving unclear the interactions preceding the shots fired.

Kolasinski expressed concern for public safety, questioning the tactical approach of ICE agents during the encounter and emphasizing the need for de-escalation in such situations. He is seeking clarity on Mendoza’s legal status and next steps, as officials have yet to provide comprehensive details on his detention.

The FBI has taken over the investigation while the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office has distanced itself from the incident.

This shooting adds to a troubling pattern of violence involving federal immigration enforcement, inviting further scrutiny of their operational protocols and accountability measures.