Family Visits Man Wounded in Patterson ICE Shooting for First Time

Attorney disputes ICE's account of the incident that left Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez hospitalized.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 10:51pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a bullet casing or other small piece of physical evidence from the shooting incident, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the gritty, investigative nature of the case.A close-up of physical evidence from the ICE shooting incident in Patterson raises questions about the use of force and the need for transparency.Modesto Today

The family of Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez, who was shot by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Patterson, California, were finally able to visit him at the hospital on Thursday. Mendoza Hernandez's attorney disputes ICE's claim that he 'weaponized' his vehicle, saying the shooting started before he moved the car and that he was simply trying to get away because he feared for his life.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions and controversies surrounding immigration enforcement actions, with conflicting accounts of what transpired and concerns about the use of force by federal agents.

The details

Mendoza Hernandez was hospitalized following a shooting on Tuesday involving ICE agents who were attempting to stop him. His family and attorney had not been allowed to see him until Thursday morning. His fiancée, Cindy, said she believes it is a 'huge miracle' he did not suffer more severe injuries, despite multiple gunshots striking his car. Mendoza Hernandez's attorney, Patrick Kolasinski, said his client is dealing with emotional trauma following the shooting and disputed ICE's account, saying the shooting began before Mendoza Hernandez moved the vehicle and that he was simply trying to get away because he was in fear of his life.

  • On Tuesday, ICE agents attempted to stop Mendoza Hernandez, leading to the shooting incident.
  • On Thursday, Mendoza Hernandez's family members were able to visit him for the first time at the hospital.

The players

Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez

The man who was shot by ICE agents in Patterson, California, and is currently recovering in the hospital.

Cindy

Mendoza Hernandez's fiancée, who expressed relief after seeing him in the hospital and believes it is a 'huge miracle' he did not suffer more severe injuries.

Patrick Kolasinski

The attorney representing Mendoza Hernandez, who disputes ICE's account of the incident and says his client was simply trying to get away because he feared for his life.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal agency that was involved in the shooting incident with Mendoza Hernandez.

FBI

The agency leading the law enforcement investigation into the shooting.

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What they’re saying

“I'm happy and grateful that it's not that worse. He's stable condition. For sure, he's injured. His arm, part of the mouth too is injured.”

— Cindy, Mendoza Hernandez's fiancée

“The shots started firing before he moved the vehicle. He was simply trying to get away because at that point, he was in fear of his life.”

— Patrick Kolasinski, Mendoza Hernandez's attorney

What’s next

The FBI is leading the law enforcement investigation into the shooting, and officials said the investigation is still active and that they do not have additional information to release at this time.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions and complexities surrounding immigration enforcement actions, with conflicting accounts of what transpired and concerns about the use of force by federal agents. The investigation is ongoing, and the family is hoping to gather the truth of what actually happened.