Judge Denies Bail for Stanislaus County Man Shot by Federal Agents
A federal judge denied bail on Monday for Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez, a Stanislaus County man shot earlier this month by federal immigration agents. The judge cited concerns that Mendoza Hernandez posed a flight risk following a shooting incident that occurred on April 7 along Interstate 5 near Sperry Avenue in Paterson.
Details of the Incident and Legal Proceedings
The U.S. Department of Justice, along with Mendoza Hernandez’s attorney, confirmed that he was shot multiple times during a confrontation after being pulled over. The circumstances leading to the shooting are sharply disputed. His attorney, Patrick Kolasinski, stated that Mendoza Hernandez attempted to flee the scene out of fear for his life. In contrast, the Department of Justice alleges that he tried to assault a federal officer with his vehicle, resulting in an indictment on that charge.
Dashcam Footage Highlights the Confrontation
Dashcam footage released by KCRA 3 captures Mendoza Hernandez trying to reverse his car before colliding with one of the agent’s vehicles. Following this, he attempts to move forward, crosses the median, and eventually comes to a stop. Due to the muted nature of the video, it remains unclear how many agents discharged their firearms or how many shots were fired during the incident.
Judge’s Ruling and Next Steps
During Monday’s court hearing, the judge underscored Mendoza Hernandez’s potential flight risk based on the available evidence, noting that he took extreme measures to evade arrest. At present, he is in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service as he awaits further legal proceedings.
Upcoming Hearing and Medical Condition
Mendoza Hernandez, who appeared in court using a wheelchair, is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on May 5. Prosecutors aim to move forward with the case, and if the grand jury issues an indictment by the deadline, the public defender will continue to represent him. Following the shooting, he has undergone multiple surgeries, including treatment for a jaw wound.
Identity and Allegations Against Mendoza Hernandez
The shooting incident involved three officers from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and one officer from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons initially labeled Mendoza Hernandez a gang member with potential ties to a murder investigation in El Salvador. However, Kolasinski argues that his client was acquitted of those murder charges in 2019, as confirmed by state officials.
Legal Status of Mendoza Hernandez
The Justice Department later revealed that Mendoza Hernandez, a Salvadoran national, was apprehended for illegally entering the United States. Further developments in the case will be closely monitored as Mendoza Hernandez’s legal team prepares for the upcoming preliminary hearing.
