ICE Agents Fire at Suspect Who Tried to Run Over Officer

Incident occurred during a targeted vehicle stop in Patterson, California

Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:19am

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The Department of Homeland Security reported that ICE agents fired defensive shots at Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez after he allegedly 'weaponized his vehicle' and attempted to run over an officer during a targeted vehicle stop in Patterson, California, about 75 miles southeast of San Francisco.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the risks and tensions that can arise during law enforcement operations, particularly when suspects attempt to use their vehicles as weapons against officers. It raises questions about use-of-force policies and the challenges faced by federal immigration authorities in carrying out their duties.

The details

According to the Department of Homeland Security, the incident occurred when ICE agents conducted a targeted vehicle stop on Mendoza Hernandez. During the stop, Mendoza Hernandez allegedly 'weaponized his vehicle' and tried to run over one of the officers. In response, the ICE agents fired defensive shots at Mendoza Hernandez.

  • The incident took place on April 8, 2026 in Patterson, California.

The players

Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez

A suspect who allegedly 'weaponized his vehicle' and tried to run over an ICE officer during a targeted vehicle stop.

Department of Homeland Security

The federal agency that oversees Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and reported on the incident.

ICE

Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the federal law enforcement agency that conducted the targeted vehicle stop and fired defensive shots at the suspect.

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The takeaway

This incident underscores the risks and challenges faced by federal immigration authorities as they carry out their duties, and the potential for escalation when suspects resist or attempt to use their vehicles as weapons against officers.