DHS Demands Extradition of Accused Killer from California

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) insists California surrender an illegal immigrant, Marcos Iriarte-Valdez, who faces murder charges for the fatal stabbing of 68-year-old Todd Stewart in the Bay Area. Iriarte-Valdez, originally from Venezuela and reported to have Spanish citizenship, was released by a California judge one day before the murder.

The DHS placed an immigration detainer on Iriarte-Valdez on September 23, 2025, according to Fox News Digital. He faces multiple charges, including murder, three counts of burglary, and violating a protective order. Despite his criminal record, including burglary charges in Contra Costa County, a judge released him before Stewart’s death.

“CA Governor [Gavin Newsom] must not release this murderer from jail and turn him over to us so we can REMOVE him from our nation,” DHS later tweeted.

DHS criticized sanctuary city policies, claiming they hinder public safety by releasing criminal illegal aliens back into communities. The department stressed cooperation between local authorities and immigration enforcement, citing safer outcomes in cities that do cooperate.

Prosecutors allege Iriarte-Valdez murdered Stewart during an attempted burglary. Stewart, a long-time resident of his Martinez neighborhood, encountered Iriarte-Valdez in his garage, leading to a deadly confrontation. Iriarte-Valdez is currently held without bail pending a court appearance.

Fox News Digital contacted various involved parties, including the Martinez Police Department and Contra Costa Superior Court, for comments on the case. Additionally, they reached out to the office of Governor Gavin Newsom.

The ongoing case highlights tensions over immigration enforcement and the impact of sanctuary policies on community safety, as emphasized by the DHS statement about prioritizing the removal of criminal offenders.