MODESTO, Calif. — An attorney representing Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez, who was shot by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents during an arrest in California, claims that his client did not attempt to run over officers with his vehicle. Following the incident in Patterson—a city southeast of San Francisco— the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that ICE agents discharged their weapons after Mendoza drove towards them while being apprehended.
During a press briefing, attorney Patrick Kolasinski asserted that Mendoza, aged 36, has a clean record in the United States, having only been stopped for minor traffic violations. He emphasized that Mendoza is not under arrest for any crime in El Salvador, where he was acquitted of murder charges.
Kolasinski indicated an absence of evidence linking Mendoza to gang activity, although he admitted to not having spoken directly with his client yet. If he was released after being acquitted, with no other holds on him, he cannot have a warrant, Kolasinski said, referring to conflicting reports regarding Mendoza's legal status in El Salvador.
On Tuesday, video footage captured the arrest scene, showing Mendoza’s car moving erratically while agents aimed their weapons. It remains unclear when precisely the shots were fired, as the footage lacks audio, leaving many details unconfirmed. Kolasinski argued that his client was likely panicking during the incident, attempting to evade arrest rather than intentionally endangering the officers.
Mendoza’s fiancée, Cindy, expressed concern over the implications of the Trump administration’s stricter immigration policies, noting their impact on their family. She highlighted his character as hard-working and responsible, with a two-year-old daughter whom they care for together.
The situation has incited criticism of how immigration enforcement operations are conducted, particularly during periods of heightened scrutiny of ICE's practices. The FBI is currently investigating the shooting incident, while Mendoza’s family has been denied access to him during his recovery.
Kolasinski further criticized the actions of ICE, suggesting that their approach during the arrest placed both the agents and Mendoza at serious risk. As the investigation continues, calls for reforms within immigration enforcement procedures are likely to intensify.
