A California man, Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez, 36, was arrested by the FBI on Monday shortly after being released from the hospital. This follows an incident where he was shot seven times by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers.

Concerns Over Arrest Timing and Condition

Hernandez's attorney, Patrick Kolasinki, stated that his client was in no condition to be incarcerated at the time of his arrest. Kolasinki described the situation as deeply concerning, given Hernandez's fragile state and the severity of his injuries.

The arrest has raised serious questions about the rationale and timing of the FBI's actions. Kolasinki recounted that Hernandez was discharged from Doctors Medical Center in Modesto around 1 p.m. on Monday. The FBI took him into custody immediately afterward.

Medical Condition and Legal Proceedings

Hernandez was initially transported to Sacramento County Jail and later moved to San Joaquin County Jail, where he reportedly received medical attention. Kolasinki emphasized that Hernandez had been in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) until Monday and required assistance to sit up.

The attorney anticipates his client will be charged with assaulting a federal officer. Kolasinki strongly disapproved of the events, highlighting Hernandez's extremely fragile and painful condition and questioning the decision to arrest him so soon after his hospital discharge.

Details of the Shooting Incident

Kolasinki detailed the injuries Hernandez sustained from the shooting: his mouth, left arm, left leg, abdomen, and right side. Hernandez told his attorney that he could see his bones when ICE handcuffed him and did not receive first aid until paramedics arrived.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, ICE officers shot Hernandez because they sought to question him about a murder in El Salvador. The agency alleged that Hernandez 'weaponized' his vehicle to evade officers.

Conflicting Accounts and Evidence

However, both Hernandez, through his attorney, and a witness named Christina assert that ICE officers initiated the shooting. This account is reportedly supported by dashcam video showing Hernandez reversing his car and making a U-turn before the shooting.

Christina's lawyer, Roberto Serrato, mentioned that the FBI had scheduled but later canceled an interview with his client. Serrato is providing pro bono representation.

Background and Future Focus

Hernandez reportedly lacks legal status in the U.S. and was acquitted of murder in El Salvador in 2019. ICE has not specified if their interest in questioning him is directly linked to that murder case.

Despite the traumatic events, Kolasinki shared that Hernandez is focused on returning home to his family. Kolasinki has established a GoFundMe campaign to support Hernandez's family.