A suspected gang member wanted for questioning in a murder case in El Salvador was shot by federal agents on Tuesday in Patterson, California, after authorities say he tried to run over an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer with his car.
What Led to the Shooting?
Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez, a suspected member of the 18th Street Gang, was the target of a vehicle stop conducted by ICE agents in Patterson. Mendoza Hernandez was flagged by the National Targeting Center for his alleged involvement in a murder investigation in El Salvador.
As ICE agents approached the vehicle, authorities claim Mendoza Hernandez attempted to weaponize his car, attempting to run over an officer. In response, agents fired defensive shots to protect themselves, other agents, and the public, according to ICE Director Todd Lyons.
Mendoza Hernandez’s Condition
Mendoza Hernandez was transported to a local hospital following the shooting. The details of his injuries and his current condition have not been released by authorities.
Federal Investigation Underway
The incident is under investigation by the FBI’s Sacramento field office, which is working with ICE and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials. The Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office is also assisting with the inquiry. Local law enforcement were not involved in the incident.
The FBI’s statement expressed gratitude for the Patterson community’s support and patience during the investigation.
Context of the Incident
This shooting comes several months after another controversial incident. On January 7, Renee Nicole Good was shot and killed by an ICE agent in Minneapolis. Good had been attempting to ram federal agents with her vehicle during an anti-ICE protest, which sparked nationwide protests.
Patterson, California: The Location of the Shooting
Patterson, located about 70 miles southeast of San Francisco along Interstate 5, is a rural city known for its agricultural production, including almonds, apricots, and other crops.
