U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents shot a man in Patterson, California, on Tuesday. According to acting ICE Director Todd Lyons, the shooting occurred after the man allegedly “weaponized his vehicle” and attempted to run over an officer.
Targeted Arrest and Alleged Assault
The ICE agents were conducting a targeted vehicle stop to arrest Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez. Authorities allege Hernandez is a member of the 18th Street Gang and is wanted in El Salvador for questioning in connection to a murder. The 18th Street Gang is based in Los Angeles and has over 100,000 members, according to federal authorities.
“As officers approached the car, the wanted gang member weaponized his vehicle in an attempt to run an officer over,” Lyons said in a statement. Following the alleged attempt to run over an officer, ICE agents fired defensive shots. Hernandez was taken to a local hospital, and his condition is currently unknown.
Broader Context
The FBI is on the scene and assisting with the investigation, which is ongoing. The shooting occurred during a partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which began in February after Congress failed to agree on funding that included money for ICE and Customs and Border Protection.
DHS has faced scrutiny in recent months following separate incidents in Minneapolis where federal agents shot and killed two U.S. Citizens, Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti, in January. Video evidence in those cases contradicted initial claims made by Trump administration officials.
On Monday, The New York Times reported that video evidence contradicted an agent’s claim in a separate Minneapolis shooting involving a Venezuelan immigrant. The agent had initially claimed to have been attacked with a shovel and broom, but video showed a much shorter confrontation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the ICE agents to stop the vehicle?
ICE agents were conducting a targeted vehicle stop to arrest Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez, who is allegedly a member of the 18th Street Gang and wanted in El Salvador for questioning in connection to a murder.
What did ICE officials say happened during the encounter?
Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons stated that Hernandez “weaponized his vehicle in an attempt to run an officer over,” prompting ICE agents to fire defensive shots.
Is the Department of Homeland Security fully funded?
No, the Department of Homeland Security is currently experiencing a partial shutdown due to a disagreement in Congress over funding, including funding for ICE and Customs and Border Protection.
As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen what further details will emerge regarding the circumstances surrounding this incident and its potential implications.
