Injured Man’s Condition Updates After ICE Shooting Incident
A man shot by ICE in Northern California two days ago is reported to have sustained multiple injuries. His recovery is expected to be lengthy, according to an attorney who visited him at the hospital on Thursday.
Details on the Victim’s Injuries and Medical Condition
Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez, 36, has undergone at least three major surgeries, including procedures to address visible scarring on his face. Patrick Kolasinski, the attorney representing Mendoza-Hernandez and his family, provided insights during a virtual media call following his visit to the hospital.
Incident Details and Legal Response
Kolasinski indicated that Mendoza-Hernandez claims the ICE agent who initiated the traffic stop fired at him first, prompting him to reverse his car in fear. “He was trying to flee after being shot, terrified for his life,” Kolasinski commented.
Controversy Surrounding Law Enforcement’s Actions
The precise number of bullets that hit Mendoza-Hernandez remains uncertain, as it can be complicated to assess gunshot wounds upon entry into the body, Kolasinski explained. ICE Director Todd Lyons stated in a Tuesday announcement that Mendoza-Hernandez had attempted to run over officers with a vehicle, leading to defensive fire from the officers involved.
Timeline of Events Leading Up to the Shooting
On the day of the incident, Mendoza-Hernandez was on his way to a building repair job when he was stopped by a police officer who claimed the stop was routine. Upon identifying himself as an ICE agent, the situation escalated when agents attempted to take him into custody. According to Kolasinski, Mendoza-Hernandez asked his wife to contact him just before the encounter turned violent.
Eyewitness Accounts and Dashcam Footage
Witness dashcam footage obtained by NBC affiliate KCRA shows multiple officers surrounding Mendoza-Hernandez’s vehicle. As he attempted to back up and turn, one officer appears to draw his weapon and fire. The footage captures the chaos but lacks audio, leaving the sequence of events ambiguous.
Disputed Allegations Against Mendoza-Hernandez
Lyons stated that the operation targeted Mendoza-Hernandez due to his alleged connections to gang activity, specifically as a member of the 18th Street gang related to a murder investigation in El Salvador. However, Kolasinski and Mendoza-Hernandez’s fiancée, Cindy, contested these claims. They presented court documents indicating that he was acquitted of murder charges in 2019 with no evidence linking him to gang involvement.
Ongoing Investigation and Legal Implications
Mendoza-Hernandez, a dual citizen of El Salvador and Mexico, entered the United States in 2019 after his acquittal. Kolasinski has stated he does not possess legal immigration status. As of now, Mendoza-Hernandez has not been arrested or formally detained. The Justice Department chose not to comment on the ongoing case.
Kolasinski noted that Mendoza-Hernandez has remained largely unconscious over the past two days due to severe pain linked to his injuries and is expected to leave intensive care soon. NBC News has reached out to the Modesto hospital for further updates but has yet to receive a response. “We are very hopeful for his recovery,” Kolasinski remarked.
