MODESTO, Calif. (AP) — An attorney for a man shot by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents during an arrest in Patterson, California, claims his client, Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez, did not attempt to drive into officers, as DHS officials allege.
On Tuesday, ICE agents were conducting an enforcement stop on Mendoza in a central California town, describing him as a suspected gang member wanted in El Salvador for questioning related to a murder. However, during a news conference, Mendoza's attorney, Patrick Kolasinski, refuted these claims stating, “If he was released after being acquitted, with no other holds on him, he cannot have a warrant.”
Kolasinski noted that Mendoza has been stopped previously for minor traffic infractions but has no criminal record in the U.S. The attorney's comments come amid a backdrop of heightened scrutiny regarding the aggressive tactics of ICE agents under the Trump administration, an era marked by numerous questionable encounters during immigration enforcement actions.
In defense of his client, Kolasinski expressed skepticism about the gang affiliation allegations, stating that he has found no evidence linking Mendoza to any gang activities. He mentioned a court document from El Salvador that indicates Mendoza was acquitted of murder and immediately released.
The incident has drawn public attention and concern, particularly with claims that Mendoza was merely panicking in response to the aggressive nature of the arrest. His fiancée, Cindy, expressed her worries, stating, “He's a good guy. He's a hardworking person.” She noted that the recent crackdown on immigration is affecting families like theirs.
Dashcam footage released from the encounter shows Mendoza's vehicle maneuvering while officers with drawn weapons surround it, adding complexity to the interpretations of the situation. The full details remain unclear, particularly regarding the moments leading up to the shooting.
Mendoza's current condition post-shooting is still uncertain, as his family has not been permitted to see him following the hospitalization. Kolasinski has called for a more humane and trained approach for immigration enforcement, critiquing the procedures that led to the escalation of the incident.
The FBI is currently overseeing the investigation as calls for transparency and accountability surrounding ICE actions continue to grow.
