A tense traffic stop in Stanislaus County early Tuesday morning escalated into a shooting involving agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, leaving a suspect hospitalized and raising serious questions about what unfolded.
According to officials, ICE agents attempted to stop a vehicle near Patterson around 6:30 a.m. while trying to arrest Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez, who authorities say is wanted in El Salvador in connection with a murder case. During the stop, agents reported that Hernandez tried to run over an officer, prompting them to open fire.
Emergency crews quickly responded to the scene near Sperry Avenue and Interstate 5. Hernandez was transported to a nearby hospital, though his current condition has not been officially confirmed.
Jeff Dirkse said local deputies secured the area but were not involved in the shooting. No law enforcement officers were injured. Because the case involves federal agents, the investigation is now being led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with support from the district attorney’s office.
Later in the day, Eugene Wu confirmed that investigators are still reviewing evidence and urged anyone with information or video footage to come forward.
Hernandez’s attorney, Patrick Kolasinski, disputed the federal claims, saying the family believes authorities may have targeted the wrong person. He described Hernandez as a working father and said the family is still trying to confirm his condition.
The incident has already sparked protests, with demonstrators calling for transparency and accountability. Authorities say the investigation is ongoing and more details will be released as facts are confirmed.
