Man Shot by ICE Agents Charged with Assaulting Federal Officer

Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez released on bond after being shot multiple times during arrest in California

Apr. 15, 2026 at 6:18am

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An extreme close-up of a shattered car window reflecting a harsh camera flash, conceptually illustrating the violent confrontation between law enforcement and the suspect.A violent encounter between ICE agents and an undocumented immigrant exposes the escalating tensions over immigration enforcement tactics.Today in Sacramento

A man who was shot multiple times by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers during an arrest in central California has been charged with assaulting a federal officer. Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez was pulled over on April 7 and allegedly drove forward, striking an agent, before reversing into an ICE vehicle. Mendoza was released on a $50,000 bond after a judge raised questions about the threat he poses to the public.

Why it matters

This incident is part of a broader pattern of shootings during the Trump administration's aggressive push to detain and deport immigrants in the country illegally, raising concerns about the use of force by federal immigration officials.

The details

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Mendoza was charged with assaulting a federal officer after he allegedly drove forward and struck an agent with his car, then reversed back into an ICE vehicle. Mendoza, who is a dual citizen of El Salvador and Mexico, was targeted by ICE because he is in the U.S. illegally, though officials also described him as a suspected gang member wanted for questioning in El Salvador related to a killing, an allegation not mentioned in the criminal complaint.

  • Mendoza was pulled over and shot by ICE agents on April 7, 2026.
  • Mendoza appeared in court on April 14, 2026, a day after being released from intensive care following multiple surgeries.

The players

Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez

A 36-year-old man who was shot multiple times by ICE agents during an arrest in central California. Mendoza is a dual citizen of El Salvador and Mexico who was targeted by ICE for being in the U.S. illegally, though officials also described him as a suspected gang member.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Allison Claire

The judge who raised questions about not releasing Mendoza on bond, saying he likely poses no threat to the public or being a flight risk, and ordered him released on a $50,000 bond.

David Harshaw

A public defender representing Mendoza, who said his client doesn't have a criminal record and should be allowed to go home immediately because he doesn't pose a danger to the public, especially due to his injuries.

Patrick Kolasinski

Another lawyer for Mendoza, who said his client panicked and tried to flee when ICE agents blocked his car, and disputed claims that there was a warrant out for his arrest or that he was a gang member.

U.S. Attorney Jason Hitt

The prosecutor who argued that Mendoza might try to flee if released, saying he didn't obey officers' orders during the April 7 arrest.

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What they’re saying

“This isn't someone who is seeking out law enforcement to target.”

— U.S. Magistrate Judge Allison Claire, Judge

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

— Patrick Kolasinski, Mendoza's attorney

What’s next

The judge gave a higher court 48 hours to affirm or overturn the ruling to release Mendoza on a $50,000 bond.

The takeaway

This case highlights ongoing concerns about the use of force by federal immigration officials and the treatment of undocumented immigrants, as well as questions about the accuracy of allegations made against individuals targeted for deportation.