The cost of Californias sanctuary policies in human lives

California’s “sanctuary” policies restrict the degree to which local law enforcement can work with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).It is a policy that has a terrible cost in human lives.One life was that of Todd Stewart, 68 years old.

He was a retired engineer, a father of two, and a longtime resident of his quiet neighborhood in Martinez, Calif.On Aug.6, prosecutors say Stewart encountered a burglar in his home garage and was stabbed to death.Unfortunately, California’s state law created a system that would ultimately fail Todd Stewart.

The man charged with Stewart’s alleged murder, Marcos Iriarte-Valdez, encountered the criminal justice system and was known to federal immigration authorities, but California’s sanctuary policies worked in Iriarte-Valdez’s favor.Nearly 11 months before this attack, ICE lodged an immigration detainer against Iriarte-Valdez identifying him as a Venezuelan national with Spanish citizenship who was unlawfully present in the United States.Despite this detainer, and in deference to California’s sanctuary laws, ICE was not alerted to the release of Iriarte-Valdez after he committed several crimes. In fact, Iriarte-Valdez was already facing three felony burglary charges involving occupied residences, and had been taken back into custody for allegedly violating the conditions of his home detention.

Yet on Aug.5, a Contra Costa County judge released him on his own recognizance.Todd Stewart was murdered the next day.This is the predictable result of policies that prevent local authorities from notifying ICE when a suspect with an active detainer and serious criminal charges is released.As of early 2026, the Department of Homeland Security noted that California had failed to honor over 4,500 deportation “detainer” requests.

In San Diego County, the Sheriff’s Department has rejected over 80% of requests for inmate release dates to ICE.As mayor of El Cajon, I have been clear about where I stand.

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