A man shot multiple times by federal immigration agents earlier this month has been transferred between several detention facilities across California while still recovering from critical injuries. This has raised concerns from his attorneys, family, and community advocates about his medical care and access to legal counsel.

Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez, a Patterson resident described by loved ones as a father and fiancé, was shot seven times by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers on April 7 while on his way to work, according to a press release issued by Faith in the Valley. In the days following the shooting, he underwent four surgeries and was placed in intensive care.

Despite his condition, Mendoza Hernandez was discharged from the ICU on April 13 and taken into federal custody, said his attorney Patrick Kolasinki. Advocates say he has no criminal record.

Since then, Mendoza Hernandez has been moved through at least five facilities in a matter of days, including jails in Sacramento, Stanislaus, and Yuba counties, before being transported to Taft State Prison near Bakersfield and later to a facility in California City. His legal team reported at times being unable to locate him for hours during these transfers.

“Multiple agencies are failing to communicate and are creating barriers to his access to legal counsel,” Kolasinki said in a statement. “This raises serious concerns about transparency and accountability. Carlos should still be in the hospital.”

On April 14, Mendoza Hernandez appeared in court in Sacramento in a wheelchair, visibly unable to sit upright without support and struggling to speak, according to advocates. They argue he was in no condition to participate in legal proceedings and should have remained hospitalized.

Community organizers also described the physical toll the transfers appeared to take. Nora Zaragoza-Yáñez, a program manager with Valley Watch Network, said Mendoza Hernandez had to be propped up with a blanket during his court appearance and appeared to be in pain.

By April 16, his attorneys temporarily lost track of his location after a reported transfer from Yuba County Jail to Nevada County Jail. He was later located in Taft, more than 250 miles from where he had been receiving medical care. Early April 17, he was moved again to a facility in California City, though his exact location and current medical condition were still unknown at the time of the release.

His fiancée, Cindy, said the way he was discharged and transferred was inhumane.

“Carlos is a loving father and devoted to his family. We want Carlos back with us,” she said.

Faith in the Valley is calling on elected officials and authorities to provide Mendoza Hernandez with full access to medical care and legal counsel, disclose information about his condition and custody, and launch an independent investigation into the shooting and subsequent treatment.

The organization is also urging community members to contact local and state officials to demand accountability, arguing that no one should be denied medical care or due process, regardless of immigration status.

On Monday, a judge ordered Mendoza Hernandez to remain in custody over concerns he could be a flight risk.