BREAKING: ICE shoots fugitive Salvadoran gang member in California who weaponized vehicle against officers
“As officers approached the car, the wanted gang member weaponized his vehicle in an attempt to run an officer over.”
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“As officers approached the car, the wanted gang member weaponized his vehicle in an attempt to run an officer over.”
ICE agents have been involved in the shooting of a member of the 18th Street Fighter gang in California. The incident took place in Patterson, and the gang member weaponized his vehicle against the ICE agents before they shot, according to ICE Director Todd Lyons.
“On April 7, 2026, ICE officers were conducting a targeted vehicle stop in Patterson, CA to arrest Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez, an 18th Street Gang member wanted in El Salvador for questioning in connection to a murder. As officers approached the car, the wanted gang member weaponized his vehicle in an attempt to run an officer over. Following their training, our officers fired defensive shots to protect themselves, their fellow agents, and the public," Lyons said in a statement.
https://twitter.com/BillMelugin_/status/2041584416594796638?s=20
"The illegal alien was taken to a local hospital. The FBI is on the scene. This is a developing situation and we will update the public when more information is available," he added. The 18th Street Gang operates and is based in Los Angeles. According to Fox News reporter Bill Melugin, Hernandez is from El Salvador.
https://twitter.com/BillMelugin_/status/2041579808165917062?s=20
Video of the scene showed authorities as well as ICE officers where the incident took place on the interstate near an overpass. Yellow caution tape was also displayed. Dash cam footage later released showed the car with Hernandez driving the vehicle in the direction of an ICE agent when the law enforcement officer shot him.
https://twitter.com/KimKatieUSA/status/2041604578832216434?s=20
https://twitter.com/EricLDaugh/status/2041585140552671462?s=20
The Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office said in statement to Facebook, "The Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office is assisting with an officer-involved shooting in our jurisdiction involving agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). At this time, we can confirm that no local law enforcement was involved in the incident. The suspect was transported to a local hospital for further medical attention."
The on and off ramps on I-5 and Sperry Ave are closed and they are expected to be closed for the remainder of the day. Motorists should expect significant delays and avoid the area. As more information becomes available, we will provide updates," the sheriff's office added.
"We are conducting a thorough investigation in partnership with the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office and are grateful for the Patterson community’s continued patience and support," the FBI said in a statement.
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