A shooting involving US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents occurred on Tuesday morning in Stanislaus County, California, forcing officials to close several entry and exit ramps on Interstate 5.
The incident, which did not involve local law enforcement, led to heavy traffic in the area, with authorities warning commuters of significant delays.
According to ICE, officers were trying to arrest Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez, a member of the 18th Street Gang and a suspect wanted in El Salvador for questioning in connection to a murder, during a targeted vehicle stop.
ICE acting director Todd Lyons stated that Hernandez 'weaponized his vehicle in an attempt to run an officer over,' prompting the officers to fire defensive shots to protect themselves, their fellow agents, and the public.
Hernandez was taken to a local hospital, but officials have not shared details about his condition or injuries.
The FBI and other law enforcement officials are investigating the incident, with the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office confirming that no local officers were involved.
The shooting comes at a tense time for the agency, with the Department of Homeland Security in a shutdown and Democrats calling for changes to ICE following recent incidents.
