Attorney Disputes Federal Claims After ICE Shooting in California

Family seeks medical update on man shot by ICE agents in Patterson

Apr. 9, 2026 at 2:51am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered car window or damaged vehicle sensor, capturing the stark, gritty aftermath of a confrontation between immigration enforcement and a civilian.The aftermath of a confrontation between immigration enforcement and a civilian exposes the harsh realities of the ongoing tensions over immigration policy.Today in Sacramento

The attorney for Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez, a man shot by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Patterson, California, is disputing federal claims about the incident and raising questions about what led up to the shooting. Hernandez's fiancée and attorney say they still don't know his condition and are struggling to get basic information from authorities.

Why it matters

This incident highlights ongoing tensions and concerns around immigration enforcement tactics, as well as the need for transparency and accountability when law enforcement uses force against civilians. The conflicting accounts and lack of information provided to Hernandez's family raise questions about the circumstances of the shooting and the treatment of immigrants by federal agencies.

The details

According to Hernandez's attorney, Patrick Kolasinski, ICE claims Hernandez is a member of the 18th Street gang and is wanted in El Salvador in connection with a murder. However, Kolasinski disputes these claims, stating that Hernandez is a 'family man' who was on his way to work when he was detained by ICE. Court documents from 2019 show Hernandez was charged with aggravated homicide in El Salvador, but was later found not guilty. Kolasinski argues that Hernandez cannot have a warrant out for his arrest. The attorney also questions the tactics used by ICE, speculating that Hernandez's attempt to flee may have been driven by fear of immigration detention.

  • On Tuesday morning, ICE agents attempted to arrest Hernandez in Patterson, California.
  • Hernandez underwent a medical procedure, but his family does not know his current condition.

The players

Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez

The man shot by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Patterson, California.

Patrick Kolasinski

The attorney representing Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez.

Cindy

The fiancée of Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal agency that attempted to arrest Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez.

FBI

The federal agency that has been involved in the investigation of the shooting incident.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I have a lot of concern right now about getting info, finding out how is he doing, is he alive, is he recovering and what is his situation.”

— Patrick Kolasinski, Attorney for Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez

“Carlos is a family man who was on his way to work when he was detained by ICE. He has had no criminal contacts in the United States.”

— Patrick Kolasinski, Attorney for Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez

“He was, in fact, acquitted, so he cannot possibly have a warrant out for his arrest.”

— Patrick Kolasinski, Attorney for Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez

“Sheriff's office, no one, no one responded to me, being searching for answers.”

— Cindy, Fiancée of Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez

“Right now it's me and that's the reason I'm here. I'm also representing our community. I don't want this situation to continue and continue blaming these people, in this case, Carlos.”

— Cindy, Fiancée of Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez

What’s next

Hernandez's attorney, Patrick Kolasinski, stated that Hernandez is currently detained under the U.S. Attorney's office, and the family is still attempting to find out his medical condition.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions and concerns around immigration enforcement tactics, as well as the need for transparency and accountability when law enforcement uses force against civilians. The conflicting accounts and lack of information provided to Hernandez's family raise questions about the circumstances of the shooting and the treatment of immigrants by federal agencies.