One Hospitalized After ICE-Involved Shooting During Central California Traffic Stop

A person was hospitalized following a shooting involving federal immigration agents during a traffic stop in Central California.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, the incident happened near Interstate 5 in Patterson, about 90 miles south of Sacramento. Officials say Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents were conducting a targeted stop when the situation escalated.

DHS says agents opened fire after the driver allegedly attempted to use the vehicle to run over an officer. Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons said agents fired in self-defense to protect themselves and others at the scene.

The individual who was shot was taken to the hospital. Authorities have not released details about their condition.

Federal officials identified the person involved as Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez, who they say is wanted in El Salvador for questioning in connection to a murder and is believed to be associated with a gang.

The Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office confirmed it is assisting with the investigation, though no local deputies were involved in the shooting. The FBI is also on scene.

Road closures were put in place around the area following the incident as investigators continue to process the scene.

The shooting comes amid a series of recent incidents involving federal agents across the country, some of which have drawn scrutiny as details have evolved over time.

The investigation remains ongoing.

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