What Happened to the Man Shot by ICE in California?

ICE opens fire during operation in California

Man left in critical condition

Conflicting versions of events

A man was critically injured after a shooting involving ICE agents in Patterson, Northern California during a traffic stop.

The incident occurred on April 7 in Patterson, according to authorities.

Carlos Iván Mendoza Hernández was shot by agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Why it matters: The ICE shooting in Patterson raises questions about the use of force by federal agents during immigration enforcement operations.

ICE sparks shooting in California during traffic stop

“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

The stop took place near the I-5 exit ramp and Spencer Avenue.

It happened around 6:30 a.m., according to the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office.

Agents stopped Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez to question him about an alleged connection to a murder.

The acting ICE director, Todd Lyons, confirmed the reason for the stop.

According to his statement, the man reacted dangerously during the encounter.

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Lyons said Mendoza Hernández turned his vehicle into a weapon.

The official stated that the driver nearly ran over an agent.

Video shows moments before the shooting

ICE shoots illegal alien 18th Street Gang member wanted in El Salvador for murder

«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… pic.twitter.com/Xsa9TUrNpx

— Police Incidents (@PoliceIncident) April 8, 2026

Dashcam footage of the ICE operation in California was obtained by KCRA.

The video shows a black vehicle stopped on the side of State Route 130.

Agents can be seen approaching the car.

At that moment, the vehicle begins to reverse.

The passenger door hits an ICE truck.

Two agents then draw their weapons.

The vehicle moves toward them before turning into the opposite lane.

It then crosses the median and enters oncoming traffic.

The video does not show agents being struck.

It is also unclear exactly when the shots were fired.

However, the footage shows multiple bullet impacts on the front of the vehicle—key evidence in the ICE shooting in Patterson case.

Lyons stated that agents fired in self-defense.

He said they acted to protect themselves, their colleagues, and the public.

Critical condition and conflicting accounts

Following the shooting, Mendoza Hernández was taken to a local hospital.

The Sheriff’s Office confirmed he remains in critical condition.

Lyons claimed the man is a member of the Calle 18 gang.

He also said Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez is unlawfully present in both El Salvador and the United States.

However, attorney Patrick Kolasinski rejected that version.

The lawyer stated that Mendoza Hernández is not affiliated with any gang.

According to Kolasinski, the man lives in Patterson with his American fiancée.

He also has a two-year-old daughter who is a U.S. citizen.

The attorney shared this information with the The Sacramento Bee.

At the time of the incident, Mendoza Hernández was on his way to work.

This is also stated on a GoFundMe page created by Kolasinski.

His destination was the Bay Area.

The case continues to develop as investigations seek to clarify what happened in the ICE shooting in Patterson incident.