Breaking: ICE Shooting in Stanislaus County
ICE-Involved Shooting in Stanislaus County
Earlier today, ICE officers were attempting to arrest Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez, a man from El Salvador suspected of being part of the 18th Street Gang in Patterson, California. Hernandez, who is currently wanted in El Salvador for questioning in connection to a murder, was pulled over in a targeted traffic stop by ICE agents.
It is alleged that while the agents were walking toward his car, Hernandez weaponized his vehicle and attempted to run over one of the officers. This prompted shots to be fired toward the vehicle.
An emailed statement by ICE spokesperson Todd Lyons published by The Modesto Bee reads:
“On April 7, 2026, ICE officers were conducting a targeted vehicle stop in Patterson, CA to arrest Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez, an 18th Street Gang member wanted in El Salvador for questioning in connection to a murder. As officers approached the car, the wanted gang member weaponized his vehicle in an attempt to run an officer over. Following their training, our officers fired defensive shots to protect themselves, their fellow agents, and the public. The illegal alien was taken to a local hospital. The FBI is on the scene. This is a developing situation and we will update the public when more information is available.”
The incident occurred by Sperry Avenue and Interstate 5 in Patterson, which has prompted shutdowns of the on and off ramps for the highway. Mendoza was taken to a local hospital to be treated for injuries, but his condition is yet to be known.
What Are the Most Recent Updates?
The area of Sperry Avenue and ramps toward Interstate 5 are expected to be closed all day. No local law enforcement was involved in the shooting, and no federal agents were harmed.
The whereabouts of Hernandez were not shared to the public, but reports of his injuries state he suffered gunshot wounds to the mandible and to his arm. Authorities warned there would be a heavy law enforcement presence in that particular area all day, and to expect traffic delays.
It is important to note that Hernandez is a suspected individual, who under the law is still considered innocent until proven guilty with a fair due process. Regardless of immigration status, all people who reside in the country have this right and other rights protected under the Constitution, including the right to protection from unreasonable searches and seizures.
Video Shows the Incident Unfold
A dashcam video shared to local news outlets from a bystander shows three law enforcement officers surrounding the vehicle, which then reverses and hits a vehicle behind it before taking off. The officers draw their weapons and point them at the vehicle as it speeds off and hits a road median harshly. The clip ends here.
The Use of Video as Evidence
Like with any other incident, this video can be used to show people who didn’t witness the events firsthand catch a glimpse of how events may have unfolded. This is why it is always crucial to talk to witnesses about an incident they were present at, especially with cell phones and other technology making it easy to capture events in real-time as they unfold.
ICE Presence in Stanislaus County is Not New
ICE agents in Stanislaus County have been a consistent event. According to a report published by The Modesto Bee, there have been 18 people arrested by ICE in Stanislaus County within the past 6 months. In this same report, the news outlet highlighted that about 8 people were arrested by ICE daily in Northern California.
FBI Investigating the Incident as an ICE Shooting
As confirmed by NBC News, the FBI’s field office in Sacramento has confirmed they are in the early stages of investigating the incident.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are ICE Agents Allowed to Make Targeted Vehicle Stops?
Yes, ICE agents are allowed to make targeted vehicle stops if they have reasonable suspicion an individual is acting unlawfully. Perceived ethnicity is not a basis to make a targeted stop.
Also, ICE agents are not allowed to make routine traffic stops for traffic violations.
Do I Have Rights If I’m Questioned by an ICE Agent?
Yes. If you are stopped by an ICE agent, or have a federal agent visit your home, you do have rights. If your rights were violated, speak to an ICE injury attorney at BD&J today.
Do I Have to Open the Door to an ICE Agent Without a Warrant?
No, you are not legally required to open the door to an ICE agent without a warrant signed by a judge allowing them to enter the premises.
What Do I Do if an ICE Agent Used Excessive Force on Me?
A federal agent that conducts unreasonable searches and seizures, uses excessive force, and causes injuries to a person, regardless of that person’s immigration status, should be held responsible for civil rights violations.
Talk to a ICE injury attorney today to learn more about your legal rights.
Do I Have to Share My Immigration Status to File a Claim?
No, you do not have to share your immigration status with anyone but your lawyer. Attorney/client privilege ensures your lawyer does not have to share anything regarding your immigration status either.
How Can the BD&J Firm Help Me After an Accident?
BD&J is a dedicated law firm protecting the rights of injured Californians for more than 20 years and recovered more than $2 billion* in damages. We also aid in cases that involve state and federal agencies, and we are not afraid to fight for the rights of injured victims.
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we advance case costs to clients and recover attorney fees after a settlement has been reached. No fees until we win your case*.
Do BD&J Attorneys Speak Spanish?
Yes, our attorneys speak Spanish, Farsi, Hebrew, Russian, and more.
Contact BD&J ICE Injury Attorneys Today
Unlawful shootings, unreasonable searches and seizures, and other events can create weariness for California locals throughout the state.
While some excessive force is deemed necessary in the case of self-defense or to arrest a suspected unlawful individual, it is not something that should be done within abuses of power or to impose more force than necessary.
Call the ICE injury attorneys at BD&J today to book your free initial consultation.