On Tuesday afternoon, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents found themselves needing to fire their weapons in self-defense against a Salvadoran national trying to evade arrest.
This confrontation took place during a targeted vehicle stop in Patterson, California, specifically near the Sperry Avenue/Diablo Grande Parkway exit off Interstate 5. Officers were attempting to detain Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez, a member of the 18th Street Gang, wanted in El Salvador for his connections to a murder investigation.
Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons stated, “As officers approached the car, the wanted gang member weaponized his vehicle in an attempt to run an officer over.” He emphasized the necessity of the agents’ defensive actions to protect themselves and the public during this dangerous encounter.
Following the shooting, Hernandez was taken to a local hospital for his injuries, while the FBI promptly began an investigation, which is standard procedure for such incidents. Local law enforcement, including the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office, has also been involved, coordinating responses as parts of the interstate were shut for several hours.
The shocking footage of the event has gained traction on social media, showing agents around a vehicle as it accelerated towards them. Agents responded by firing their weapons as he attempted to evade capture.
Aerial videos captured the immediate aftermath with agents surrounding the scene. Meanwhile, officer-worn body camera footage remains unreleased.
🚨 BREAKING: New footage shows the moment ICE agents UNLOADED fire in self defense against an El Salvador national and gang member who tried running them over with his vehicle
FAFO. Clear cut case of self defense, 100% justified.
God bless ICE, putting their lives on the line… https://t.co/7IblcWrCSP pic.twitter.com/jqOo4SEkUp
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) April 7, 2026
As of now, additional information regarding Hernandez’s criminal history in the U.S. has yet to be disclosed. The 18th Street Gang, notorious for its violence, has links to serious criminal activities as recognized by the FBI.
