PATTERSON, California — The FBI is investigating a shooting in which U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents wounded a man during a targeted traffic stop in this Central Valley community on Tuesday, federal and local officials said.
The incident occurred around 6:30 a.m. near the intersection of Interstate 5 and Sperry Avenue in Patterson, Stanislaus County, about 90 miles south of Sacramento. Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons identified the man shot as Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez, described as an 18th Street Gang member wanted in El Salvador for questioning in connection with a murder.
According to Lyons, ICE agents approached the vehicle during the stop when the suspect “weaponized his vehicle in an attempt to run an officer over.” Agents fired defensive shots to protect themselves, their fellow agents and the public, he said in a statement. No officers were injured. The man was taken to a hospital, where he was reported in critical condition by county officials.
The FBI’s Sacramento field office has assumed primary responsibility for the investigation, working in partnership with the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office. “We are conducting a thorough and methodical investigation to understand what transpired prior to today’s shooting,” Special Agent in Charge Eugene Wu said. The agency urged the public to submit any videos or information via tips.fbi.gov.
The Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office confirmed it was assisting but that no local law enforcement officers were involved in the shooting or the initial stop. Portions of Interstate 5 ramps were closed for much of Tuesday as investigators worked the scene. Dashcam video obtained by local media showed agents surrounding a vehicle before it reversed and then drove forward, crossing a median while officers had weapons drawn.
Details on the number of agents who fired shots or the exact number of rounds remained unclear. The FBI described the investigation as in its early stages.
Governor Gavin Newsom’s office said he was briefed on the incident. Some community members expressed unease following the shooting, according to local reports.
As of early Wednesday, the FBI continued processing the scene and had not released additional details on the sequence of events or the suspect’s current medical status. No charges had been announced.
