Man Shot by ICE Agents Claims He Was Calm Before Shooting

Attorney says client was already pulled over when agents opened fire, disputing federal claims

Apr. 10, 2026 at 12:22am

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An extreme close-up photograph of shattered car window glass reflecting a faint red light, conveying the stark, gritty aftermath of a confrontation between law enforcement and an undocumented immigrant.A violent encounter between federal agents and an undocumented immigrant leaves behind shattered evidence and unanswered questions.Patterson Today

Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez, 36, was shot multiple times by ICE agents during a traffic stop in Patterson, California earlier this week. His attorney and fiancée say Mendoza was already pulled over and calm when agents approached him, but he attempted to leave out of fear for his life, at which point he was shot. Federal officials claim Mendoza was wanted in connection with a murder in El Salvador and was suspected of being affiliated with the 18th Street gang, but Mendoza's attorney disputes these claims and says he was previously acquitted of murder.

Why it matters

This incident has raised concerns about the use of force by federal immigration agents and the treatment of undocumented immigrants. Mendoza's attorney and fiancée claim the shooting was unjustified, while federal officials maintain he was a dangerous criminal. The case highlights the ongoing tensions and controversies surrounding immigration enforcement in the U.S.

The details

According to Mendoza's attorney, Patrick Kolasinski, Mendoza had already pulled over and was calm when ICE agents approached him. However, Kolasinski says Mendoza attempted to leave because he feared for his life, at which point the agents opened fire, shooting him multiple times including in the face and arm. Kolasinski disputes the federal claims about Mendoza's criminal history, saying he was previously acquitted of murder in El Salvador. Mendoza remains hospitalized in the ICU, having undergone three surgeries, and is having difficulty speaking due to his injuries.

  • The shooting occurred on Tuesday morning during a traffic stop in Patterson, near Interstate 5 off Sperry Avenue.
  • Mendoza's attorney and fiancée were finally able to see him in person at the hospital on Thursday morning.

The players

Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez

A 36-year-old man who was shot multiple times by ICE agents during a traffic stop in Patterson, California. He is currently hospitalized in the ICU and recovering from his injuries.

Patrick Kolasinski

The attorney representing Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez, who is disputing the federal claims about his client's criminal history and the circumstances of the shooting.

Cindy

The fiancée of Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez, who has not revealed her last name due to concerns for her safety and her family's safety.

Federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Agents

The federal agents who were involved in the shooting of Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez during a traffic stop in Patterson, California.

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What they’re saying

“He was shot at before he moved the car. And we got a call yesterday from a witness who told me they saw the same thing.”

— Patrick Kolasinski, Attorney for Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez

“He had pulled over. He had been calm. He was just saying, 'You know what? I don't want to get out. I want to talk to my wife and figure out what's going on.' And for some reason, the officer started shooting.”

— Patrick Kolasinski, Attorney for Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez

“For sure, I still have fear. Mostly because I don't know how people react, but I'm grateful too, that there are a lot of people that is being supportive.”

— Cindy, Fiancée of Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez

What’s next

Mendoza's attorney is working to confirm if there was a warrant for his client's arrest and is continuing to seek answers from federal and local agencies about the shooting. The family and legal team are also asking for the public's help in providing any witness accounts or video footage of the incident.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions and controversies surrounding immigration enforcement in the U.S., with conflicting accounts of the circumstances leading to the shooting of an undocumented immigrant by federal agents. It raises questions about the use of force by law enforcement and the treatment of immigrants, particularly those with uncertain legal status.