Judge Pauses Release of Man Shot 7 Times by ICE

Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez remains in custody as government appeals judge's order to release him on bond

Apr. 14, 2026 at 11:35pm

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A man who was shot seven times by immigration agents during a traffic stop near Modesto and then charged with assaulting, resisting and impeding a federal officer will remain in custody for at least two days while the government appeals a judge's order to release him on bond.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing tensions between immigration enforcement and immigrant communities, as well as concerns over the use of force by federal agents during routine stops. It also raises questions about due process and the treatment of immigrants in the criminal justice system.

The details

Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez, 36, was brought into a Sacramento federal courtroom in a wheelchair on Tuesday after being shot by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents during a traffic stop. The complaint alleges Mendoza Hernandez drove his car in a way that could have harmed the agents, leading them to open fire. Mendoza Hernandez was charged with assault, resisting, and impeding federal officers.

  • On April 7, Mendoza Hernandez was shot seven times by ICE agents during a traffic stop near Modesto.
  • On April 9, a criminal complaint was filed against Mendoza Hernandez.
  • On April 14, Mendoza Hernandez appeared in a Sacramento federal court in a wheelchair.

The players

Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez

A 36-year-old man from El Salvador who was shot seven times by ICE agents and is now facing charges of assault, resisting, and impeding federal officers.

Jason Hitt

Chief of the violent crime and firearms trafficking unit of the U.S. Attorney's Office in Sacramento, who argued Mendoza Hernandez should remain in custody because he attempted to flee ICE agents and would be a danger to the community if released.

Allison Claire

The U.S. Magistrate Judge who ordered Mendoza Hernandez released on a $50,000 bond, but agreed to put the order on hold for 48 hours while prosecutors appeal it.

Patrick Kolasinsky

One of the two attorneys representing Mendoza Hernandez, who said the judge's decision was fair but that Mendoza Hernandez may still be detained by ICE for potential deportation.

Cindy Ramirez

Mendoza Hernandez's partner, who was set to sign the $50,000 bond for his release.

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What they’re saying

“We want him to know that we support him. We're not going to forget him.”

— Leanna Hunt, Sacramento resident

“I feel worried, because I know there are people who are trying to do something against him. But I also feel hope.”

— Cindy Ramirez, Mendoza Hernandez's partner

What’s next

The judge's order to release Mendoza Hernandez on bond will remain on hold for 48 hours while prosecutors appeal the decision. If the order is upheld, Mendoza Hernandez may still be immediately detained by ICE for potential deportation.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between immigration enforcement and immigrant communities, as well as concerns over the use of force by federal agents during routine stops. It also raises questions about due process and the treatment of immigrants in the criminal justice system.