MODESTO, Calif. (AP) — An attorney for Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez, a man shot by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents during an arrest in California, stated that his client did not attempt to run over officers with his car. The attorney, Patrick Kolasinski, also refuted claims that Mendoza has a warrant in El Salvador, asserting his client has no criminal record in the U.S. and was acquitted of murder charges in El Salvador.

DHS reported that ICE agents fired at Mendoza after he allegedly tried to drive into them during an enforcement stop in Patterson, approximately 75 miles southeast of San Francisco. The 36-year-old Mendoza was reportedly targeted as a suspected gang member wanted for questioning in connection with a murder.

Kolasinski emphasized that he has found no evidence of Mendoza's involvement in any gang activities and that his client had only faced minor traffic violations prior to this incident. He stated, 'If he was released after being acquitted, with no other holds on him, he cannot have a warrant.' Mendoza's fiancée described him as 'a hardworking person' and claimed the family is suffering due to the immigration crackdown under the Trump administration.

Dashcam footage presented highlights a tense moment just prior to the shooting, showing agents surrounding Mendoza's vehicle with weapons drawn. The footage lacks audio, leaving unclear the moments leading up to the shooting. Kolasinski argued that Mendoza’s actions were a panic response rather than an intention to harm. His family remains worried as they have not been allowed to visit him since he was hospitalized, but a social worker has reported he is stable. Kolasinski expressed concerns regarding ICE's handling of the situation and the potential impact of their training on public safety.

The FBI has taken over the investigation into the incident, while the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office disassociated itself from the shooting.