ICE Agents Shoot Alleged Gang Member During Patterson Arrest Attempt

Dashcam video shows tense confrontation as agents opened fire on a suspect's vehicle.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 5:49am

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An extreme close-up photograph of shattered car window glass, capturing the dramatic and gritty aftermath of the ICE-involved shooting in Patterson.Dashcam footage captures the tense confrontation between ICE agents and a wanted gang member in Patterson, California, raising questions about the use of force.Patterson Today

Newly released dashcam footage shows a tense confrontation between ICE agents and a wanted gang member in Patterson, California, that resulted in the suspect being shot multiple times. The agents were attempting to arrest Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez, who is wanted in El Salvador for questioning in connection with a murder, when the incident occurred.

Why it matters

The shooting has raised questions about the tactics used by ICE agents and the circumstances that led to the use of deadly force. The incident also highlights the ongoing tensions between law enforcement and immigrant communities, particularly around the role of federal immigration authorities.

The details

According to the video, three ICE agents surrounded a black car during what authorities described as a targeted vehicle stop. As the agents approached the car, the driver, identified as Hernandez, began to reverse the vehicle. One agent then raised a weapon and opened fire, with several other shots following. Hernandez was struck multiple times and taken to the hospital, where he underwent three surgeries. The attorney representing Hernandez said he denies being a gang member and was not under arrest at the time of the incident.

  • The incident occurred on April 7, 2026.
  • Hernandez was taken to the hospital following the shooting.

The players

Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez

An alleged member of the 18th Street gang who is wanted in El Salvador for questioning in connection with a murder.

Christina

The driver of one of the vehicles with dashcam video, who said she feared for her life during the incident.

Todd Lyons

The acting ICE Director, who stated that the agents fired in self-defense after Hernandez attempted to run over an officer.

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What they’re saying

“I was scared because you know the other gunshots that went off, they were very they were simultaneous and I thought that somebody was gonna get hit.”

— Christina, Witness

“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 investigating the incident, and Christina's lawyer said they will be interviewed by the Justice Department next week.

The takeaway

This shooting has raised concerns about the tactics used by ICE agents and the potential for escalation of tensions between law enforcement and immigrant communities. The investigation into the incident will likely focus on whether the use of force was justified and whether the agents followed proper procedures.