ICE Shooting Leads to Assault Charges Against Central Valley Man

Authorities allege Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez struck an agent with his car during an enforcement stop.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 8:54pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a car's shattered side mirror reflecting a single red taillight, creating a stark, gritty, and investigative aesthetic through the use of harsh flash lighting against a pitch-black background.A recent wave of confrontations between federal immigration agents and suspected undocumented immigrants has exposed the escalating tensions over aggressive enforcement tactics.Patterson Today

A 36-year-old man who was shot multiple times by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Central California last week is expected to appear in court to face charges that he assaulted a federal officer with his vehicle during the incident. Authorities say Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez drove forward and struck an agent with his car, then reversed into a law enforcement vehicle, prompting the agents to open fire. Mendoza's lawyer disputes the allegations, saying his client panicked and tried to flee the scene when ICE agents blocked his car.

Why it matters

The encounter was one of several recent shootings involving ICE agents during the Trump administration's aggressive push to detain and deport undocumented immigrants, raising questions about the use of force by federal immigration officials.

The details

According to federal prosecutors, Mendoza was pulled over by ICE agents in Patterson, California on April 7th. The agents allege that Mendoza then drove forward and struck one of the agents with his car, before reversing into a law enforcement vehicle. The Department of Homeland Security says the agents then fired 'defensive shots' at Mendoza. Mendoza's lawyer, Patrick Kolasinski, says his client panicked and tried to flee the scene when the agents blocked his car, but denies that Mendoza assaulted anyone.

  • The incident occurred on April 7, 2026 in Patterson, California.
  • Mendoza is expected to appear in court in Sacramento on Tuesday.

The players

Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez

A 36-year-old man who was shot multiple times by ICE agents during an enforcement stop in Central California. He is expected to face charges of assaulting a federal officer with his vehicle.

Patrick Kolasinski

The lawyer representing Mendoza, who disputes the allegations against his client and says Mendoza panicked and tried to flee when ICE agents blocked his car.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal agency that conducted the enforcement stop targeting Mendoza, which resulted in the shooting incident.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“He is doing everything he can to not run them over.”

— Patrick Kolasinski, Mendoza's lawyer

What’s next

Mendoza is expected to appear in court in Sacramento on Tuesday to face the charges against him.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions and concerns around the use of force by federal immigration authorities, especially during the aggressive immigration enforcement policies of the Trump administration.