Man Shot by ICE Agents Charged with Assaulting Federal Officer

Mendoza's lawyer says he panicked and tried to flee when ICE blocked his car.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 12:53am

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Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez, a man shot multiple times during an arrest by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers in central California, has been charged with assaulting a federal officer. Mendoza's lawyer claims he panicked and tried to flee when ICE agents blocked his car, while federal officials say Mendoza is in the country illegally.

Why it matters

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

The details

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Mendoza drove forward and struck a federal agent with his car, then reversed back into an ICE vehicle, after being pulled over on April 7. However, Mendoza's lawyer disputes the government's account, saying Mendoza drove away to flee the gunfire after agents shot at him while his car was stopped.

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

The players

Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez

A 36-year-old dual citizen of El Salvador and Mexico who was shot multiple times during an arrest by ICE agents. His lawyer claims he has no criminal record in the U.S. and was acquitted of murder charges in El Salvador.

Patrick Kolasinski

An immigration attorney representing Mendoza, who says his client panicked and tried to flee when ICE agents blocked his car.

Allison Claire

A U.S. Magistrate Judge who raised questions about not releasing Mendoza on bond, saying 'This isn't someone who is seeking out law enforcement to target.'

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.

Jason Hitt

A U.S. attorney who said Mendoza might try to flee if released, citing his failure to 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.”

— Allison Claire, U.S. Magistrate Judge

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

— Patrick Kolasinski, Mendoza's attorney

What’s next

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

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions and questions surrounding the use of force by federal immigration officials, particularly during the Trump administration's aggressive push to detain and deport undocumented immigrants.