Feds Charge Suspect Accused Of Ramming ICE Agents During Arrest Attempt

Federal authorities have arrested Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez, an alleged gang member accused of attempting to run over immigration officers during a traffic stop in California.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Mendoza Hernandez is now facing charges of assaulting a federal officer with a deadly weapon. Investigators say the incident occurred after officers with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement attempted to detain him in Patterson, California.

Court documents allege that Mendoza Hernandez refused repeated orders to exit his vehicle, prompting agents to take additional steps to remove him. Authorities say the situation escalated when he drove forward, striking an officer, then reversed into a law enforcement vehicle before accelerating again toward agents at the scene.

Federal officials say officers opened fire in response to the perceived threat, striking the suspect multiple times. He was transported to a hospital for treatment and later taken into custody following his release.

Investigators also allege that the vehicle struck additional objects, including a guardrail, before coming to a stop a short distance away from the initial encounter.

Todd Lyons said agents acted in accordance with their training to protect themselves and the public during the incident.

Authorities have indicated that Mendoza Hernandez was wanted for questioning in connection with a homicide investigation in El Salvador and is believed to have ties to a transnational gang.

The case comes amid heightened tensions surrounding immigration enforcement operations, with federal officials citing an increase in violent encounters involving officers in recent months.