ICE Agents Shoot Man in California Traffic Stop; Gang Claims Denied

ICE agents shot a man in Central California after claiming he tried to run them over. His lawyer says the agents shot first and denies gang links.
By Newsroom | Crime, Law Enforcement |

PATRICK KOLASINSKI, the attorney representing Carlos Iván Mendoza Hernández, asserts his client denies any connection to gang activity, a claim that emerged following a shooting incident involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in California.

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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated ICE agents fired defensively at Mendoza Hernández when he allegedly attempted to drive his vehicle into them during a traffic stop. However, Kolasinski contends agents discharged their weapons before his client attempted to flee. According to the attorney, Mendoza Hernández was on his way to work on Tuesday when he was pulled over.

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Kolasinski told reporters that Mendoza Hernández, who is undergoing multiple surgeries after being shot in the jaw, communicated that he was never a gang member. The attorney added that he has found no evidence to support such a claim. Kolasinski said his client may have panicked and attempted to flee after the gunfire erupted, stating that agents fired while the car was stopped, and Mendoza Hernández drove away to escape the shooting.

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The incident, which occurred in Central California, has drawn scrutiny. Dashcam footage reportedly shows three ICE agents outside Hernandez’s car. He is currently in intensive care. The attorney also mentioned that Mendoza Hernández is engaged to a U.S. citizen and has a two-year-old daughter.

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Department of Justice representatives informed Kolasinski that Mendoza Hernández is neither in federal custody nor currently under arrest. Kolasinski is investigating his client's history in El Salvador, noting that it appears Mendoza Hernández does not currently have legal status in the U.S. He stated he was not initially permitted to speak with his client or hospital administration to ascertain his health status.

DHS maintains that the ICE agents acted in accordance with their training, firing defensive shots to protect themselves, fellow agents, and the public. Kolasinski, however, suggests ICE may have mistakenly targeted Mendoza Hernández. Mendoza Hernández works as a laborer, repairing fire damage.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happened during the ICE traffic stop in Central California on Tuesday?
ICE agents shot Carlos Iván Mendoza Hernández during a traffic stop. The Department of Homeland Security says agents fired because he tried to drive his car at them.
Q: Does Carlos Iván Mendoza Hernández have gang ties?
His attorney, Patrick Kolasinski, states Mendoza Hernández denies any gang affiliation and that there is no evidence to support the claim.
Q: What does the attorney say about the shooting?
Attorney Kolasinski claims ICE agents fired their weapons before Mendoza Hernández tried to flee. He believes his client may have panicked and driven away to escape the gunfire.
Q: What is Mendoza Hernández's current condition and legal status?
Mendoza Hernández is in intensive care undergoing surgeries after being shot in the jaw. He is not currently in federal custody or under arrest, and his attorney is investigating his history and immigration status.