Who started GoFundMe campaign for Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez? Here's what we know about the man shot by ICE in California

In a major development, a man identified as Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez has been hospitalised following an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)-involved shooting in northern California that sparked a growing controversy over his alleged background. While the ICE Director Todd Lyons has publicly claimed that Hernandez is linked to the 18th Street gang and was wanted in connection with a murder investigation in El Salvador. However, his family's attorney has strongly denied these allegations, insisting he "is not a gang member". Amid the conflicting narratives, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support Hernandez and his family, which has so far raised $1200, about 24 per cent of its $5,000 goal, from 32 donations. Let's find out who started the campaign.

According to the GoFundMe official website, an individual, Patrick Kolasinski, has been identified as the organiser of the fundraiser campaign for Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez.

Patrick Kolasinski is the attorney representing Hernandez's family who has strongly contested the official account, both of the incident and his alleged background. The GoFundMe post read, "Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez is a loving father and partner who was shot today by ICE in a tragic case of mistaken identity. On his way to work, Carlos was stopped by ICE and, in a moment of fear, tried to flee. The situation escalated, and he was shot. Now, Carlos is in the hospital, fighting for his life, while his fiancée Cindy and their 2-year-old daughter wait and hope for his recovery."

"This unexpected tragedy has left Cindy and her daughter facing an uncertain future. With Carlos unable to work, they are struggling to cover the necessities of life—food, a safe home, medical bills, and legal fees. The emotional and financial toll is overwhelming, and they need the support of their community now more than ever," it added.

"We are reaching out to ask for your help. Any contribution, no matter the size, will go directly to Cindy and her daughter to help them through this incredibly difficult time. We thank everyone for their support and prayers as Carlos fights to recover. Your kindness and generosity mean the world to this family."

According to the Washington Post, he stated that the family wants it made "most clearly" that Hernandez "is absolutely not a gang member", underscoring a growing dispute between federal authorities and the family over the facts of the case.



According to ICE Director Todd Lyons, agents opened fire after Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez allegedly "weaponised his vehicle in an attempt to run an officer over" during the targeted stop, prompting what he described as "defensive shots" to protect officers and the public.

However, officials have not confirmed how many rounds were fired. Hernandez is now believed to be in stable condition and expected to survive, while the FBI has taken charge of the investigation and is reportedly holding him at the hospital.

According to his attorney, Hernandez had been living in Patterson and was engaged to a US citizen. He is the father of a two-year-old daughter who holds American citizenship.

Prior to this, he lived in El Salvador, where he has another child who still resides. Regarding his immigration status, Kolasinski clarified that while Hernandez had not applied for U.S. citizenship, he was also not under any deportation order.



Kolasinski also challenged reports about a viral video that allegedly shows Hernandez's vehicle moving toward ICE agents before the shooting. He said he had reviewed the footage multiple times and insisted it does not accurately depict what happened.

Drawing a parallel, he compared Hernandez’s case to that of Renee Good, a Minneapolis woman who was fatally shot by an ICE agent during a similar encounter while inside her car, an incident that later sparked widespread debate over the use of force and conflicting narratives around the events.