ICE Shoots Salvadoran Gang Suspect in Car Chase

On April 8th, Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents shot an undocumented migrant from

El Salvador during a targeted arrest in Patterson, California.

The man, Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez, is an alleged member of the 18th street gang

wanted for questioning in a murder.

This happened Tuesday near Interstate 5.

Officers tried to box in his vehicle, but he reversed and accelerated toward them, nearly

running one over.

Following their training, the agents fired shots to protect themselves and bystanders.

ICE Director Todd Lyons called it a clear case of the suspect weaponizing his car.

The suspect ended up in critical condition at a local hospital, though he's now stable.

Dashcam footage backs up the officer's story, showing the quick dodge.

Family and supporters point to rising vehicle attacks on federal agents as a real issue.

His attorney pushes back hard, saying it could be mistaken identity and that he's just

a loving father, who panicked and tried to flee, not attack.

Family denies any gang ties, clashing with federal claims.

The FBI is digging into it all, reviewing videos and witness accounts, while Governor

Gavin Newsom's office wants full coordination with locals.

This spot lights the split-second-danger's ice faces in these high-stakes ops.

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