Immigrant Shot by ICE Agents Moved Between Jails Hundreds of Miles Apart

Attorney says client has been transferred to 5 different county jails since shooting, raising concerns about his treatment and access to court hearings.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 1:20am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered car window or bullet casing against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually illustrating the violence and investigation surrounding this incident.The frequent transfers of an immigrant shot by ICE agents between distant jails raise concerns about his access to medical care and legal proceedings.Patterson Today

A Central Valley man who was shot multiple times by ICE agents during a traffic stop has been transferred to at least five different county jails across California, often hundreds of miles from his home and court hearings, his attorney says. The man's fiancée has expressed concern that authorities are intentionally trying to 'hide him' by moving him so far away from his family and legal proceedings.

Why it matters

This case highlights concerns about the treatment of immigrants in federal custody, especially those who have been injured during encounters with law enforcement. The frequent transfers between distant jails could impede the man's access to medical care, communication with his attorney, and ability to participate in his own legal defense.

The details

Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernández was shot by ICE agents on April 7 during a traffic stop about 40 miles south of Stockton. Mendoza Hernández, his attorney, and a witness say the agents fired at least one shot first, and that he was trying to flee their gunfire. Mendoza Hernández was hospitalized with at least six gunshot wounds and underwent surgery. He was later taken into custody by the FBI and now faces federal charges. Since then, his family has had increasing difficulty locating him as he has been transferred between at least five different county jails across California, often hundreds of miles from his home in Patterson and his court hearings in Sacramento.

  • On April 7, Mendoza Hernández was shot by ICE agents during a traffic stop in Patterson, California.
  • On Monday, Mendoza Hernández was booked at the Sacramento County Jail for three hours before being transferred to the Stanislaus County Jail in Modesto.
  • On Tuesday, after a court hearing in Sacramento, Mendoza Hernández was transferred to the Yuba County Jail, about 100 miles from his home.
  • On Thursday morning, Yuba County officials said Mendoza Hernández would be transferred to the Nevada County Jail, about 130 miles from his home.
  • On Thursday afternoon, Mendoza Hernández was instead transferred to the Taft Jail in Kern County, over 300 miles from his home.

The players

Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernández

A Central Valley man who was shot multiple times by ICE agents during a traffic stop on April 7 and is now facing federal charges.

Cindy

Mendoza Hernández's fiancée, who has expressed concern about the frequent transfers of her partner between distant jails.

Patrick Kolasinski

Mendoza Hernández's attorney, who has alleged that federal law enforcement is intentionally holding his client farther and farther away from his court hearings and family.

Charles Weisselberg

An attorney and professor at UC-Berkeley School of Law who says the frequent transfers of Mendoza Hernández between jails could further harm his physical state.

U.S. Marshals Service

The federal agency responsible for transporting Mendoza Hernández between jails, which cited 'parameters' in contracts with local sheriffs as a reason for the transfers.

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What they’re saying

“'For me it's like, are you trying to hide him?'”

— Cindy, Mendoza Hernández's fiancée

“'He's being treated like a sack of potatoes.'”

— Patrick Kolasinski, Mendoza Hernández's attorney

“'It strikes me as very unusual,' that Mendoza Hernández has been moved around so much.”

— Charles Weisselberg, Attorney and professor at UC-Berkeley School of Law

What’s next

Mendoza Hernández is expected back in court on Monday, where a judge will decide whether to release him on bond or keep him in custody.

The takeaway

This case raises serious concerns about the treatment of immigrants in federal custody, especially those who have been injured during encounters with law enforcement. The frequent transfers between distant jails could impede Mendoza Hernández's access to medical care, communication with his attorney, and ability to participate in his own legal defense.