The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has demanded that California Governor Gavin Newsom hand over a Venezuelan illegal immigrant, Marcos Iriarte-Valdez, who is facing murder charges for the stabbing death of 68-year-old Todd Stewart in the Bay Area. The request follows a judge’s decision to release Iriarte-Valdez from custody one day before the alleged murder.
Iriarte-Valdez, who has a criminal history, was in jail on burglary charges in Contra Costa County. A judge ordered his release despite these charges. The DHS placed an immigration detainer on him on September 23, 2025, emphasizing the need to remove him from the country.
Iriarte-Valdez, who is from Venezuela but reportedly holds Spanish citizenship, faces multiple charges. These include murder, domestic violence, burglary, receiving stolen property, trespassing, and violating a protective order.
The DHS expressed concerns over sanctuary policies that prioritize politics over public safety. They urged against the release of Iriarte-Valdez without handing him over to federal authorities.
Todd Stewart, the murder victim, was a longtime resident of Martinez. Prosecutors claim that Iriarte-Valdez attempted to burglarize Stewart’s home, leading to a fatal confrontation in the garage where Stewart was stabbed.
Before the murder, Iriarte-Valdez was on pretrial release for other burglary charges. He was arrested again for violating terms of his home detention but was released on his own recognizance a day before the incident.
This case has sparked criticism of the policies of sanctuary cities that refuse cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The DHS highlighted that some of the safest cities work with ICE to prevent the release of dangerous individuals into communities.
A local homeowner, previously targeted by Iriarte-Valdez in a burglary, expressed disbelief over the decision to release him. This sentiment reflects broader concerns over judicial discretion in releasing suspects.
Iriarte-Valdez is currently held without bail, awaiting a court appearance. The DHS continues to focus efforts on detaining individuals deemed highly dangerous, stressing the importance of enforcing immigration laws.