Man in Critical Condition After ICE Shooting in California

FBI investigating incident where ICE agents allegedly fired 'defensive shots' during vehicle stop

Apr. 7, 2026 at 10:05pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a small metal object, such as a bullet casing or shell fragment, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, and investigative aesthetic.A close examination of the physical evidence from the ICE shooting incident reveals the stark realities of the confrontation.Patterson Today

A man is hospitalized in critical condition after a shooting incident involving ICE agents in Patterson, California on Tuesday morning. According to ICE, the agents were seeking to arrest an alleged undocumented immigrant and gang member wanted for questioning in a murder investigation in El Salvador, when the suspect 'weaponized his vehicle in an attempt to run an officer over', leading to the agents firing 'defensive shots'. The FBI has launched an investigation into the incident.

Why it matters

The shooting is the latest in a series of high-profile incidents involving ICE that have drawn intense scrutiny, with the agency facing criticism over deaths in custody and fatal shootings of U.S. citizens. The investigation into this latest incident will likely further fuel the ongoing debate over ICE's tactics and the agency's role in immigration enforcement.

The details

The shooting occurred around 11 a.m. on Tuesday during a targeted vehicle stop by ICE agents in Patterson, California. According to ICE director Todd M. Lyons, the agents were seeking to arrest Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez, an alleged undocumented immigrant and gang member wanted for questioning in a murder investigation in El Salvador. Lyons stated that Mendoza Hernandez 'weaponized his vehicle in an attempt to run an officer over', leading the ICE officers to fire 'defensive shots to protect themselves, their fellow agents and the public'.

  • The shooting occurred around 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.

The players

Todd M. Lyons

ICE director who provided a statement on the incident.

Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez

An alleged undocumented immigrant and gang member wanted for questioning in a murder investigation in El Salvador, who was the target of the ICE operation.

FBI

The FBI has confirmed it is 'in the early stages' of its investigation of the incident.

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What they’re saying

“We are conducting a thorough investigation in partnership with the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office and are grateful for the Patterson community's continued patience and support.”

— FBI

“ICE agents were reportedly seeking to arrest Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez, an alleged undocumented immigrant and gang member wanted for questioning in a murder investigation in El Salvador.”

— Todd M. Lyons, ICE director

“Mendoza Hernandez allegedly 'weaponized his vehicle in an attempt to run an officer over,' which led ICE officers to fire 'defensive shots to protect themselves, their fellow agents and the public'.”

— Todd M. Lyons, ICE director

What’s next

The FBI has confirmed it is 'in the early stages' of its investigation of the incident, and is working in partnership with the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office. The investigation will likely focus on determining the full sequence of events and whether the use of force by the ICE agents was justified.

The takeaway

This latest shooting involving ICE agents will likely further fuel the ongoing debate over the agency's tactics and role in immigration enforcement, with the incident coming amid heightened scrutiny over deaths in ICE custody and fatal shootings of U.S. citizens.