ICE Agents Shoot Wanted Salvadoran Gang Member After He Attempts to Run Them Down

Incident comes amid scrutiny over tactics of federal immigration officers

Apr. 7, 2026 at 11:30pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a damaged car sensor or camera lens, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the aftermath of a confrontation between ICE agents and a wanted criminal suspect.A damaged sensor lens from an ICE vehicle shooting scene exposes the risks and tensions faced by federal immigration agents.Patterson Today

A Salvadoran gang member wanted in his home country for murder allegedly attempted to run down ICE agents during a targeted vehicle stop in Patterson, California. The agents opened fire in self-defense, injuring the suspect, who was taken to a local hospital. The FBI is investigating the incident.

Why it matters

This case highlights the risks and tensions faced by ICE agents as they carry out enforcement actions, particularly against individuals with violent criminal histories. It also comes amid ongoing debates over the tactics and oversight of federal immigration authorities.

The details

According to ICE, the agents were attempting to arrest Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez, an 18th Street gang member wanted in El Salvador for a murder. As the agents approached Mendoza's vehicle, he allegedly drove straight at them, forcing them to open fire in self-defense to protect themselves and the public. Dashcam footage shows Mendoza ignoring commands and aiming his car directly at one of the agents, who barely avoided being struck.

  • The incident occurred on April 7, 2026 in Patterson, California.

The players

Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez

A Salvadoran 18th Street gang member wanted in his home country for a murder.

ICE

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, which was conducting the targeted vehicle stop.

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What they’re saying

“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 weaponized his vehicle in an attempt to run an officer over. Following their training, our officers fired defensive shots to protect themselves, their fellow agents, and the public.”

— Todd Lyons, Acting ICE Director

What’s next

The FBI is on the scene investigating the incident, and more information is expected to be released as the investigation progresses.

The takeaway

This case highlights the risks and challenges faced by ICE agents as they carry out enforcement actions, particularly against individuals with violent criminal histories. It also underscores the ongoing debates over the tactics and oversight of federal immigration authorities.