Story perspectives

Judge Releases Marcos Iriarte-Valdez on Own Recognizance

8/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

Judge Nichelle Holmes released Marcos Iriarte-Valdez on his own recognizance a day before he allegedly fatally stabbed 68-year-old Todd Stewart in Martinez.
Martinez Police Chief Andrew White said Iriarte-Valdez is jailed with a $1.1 million bail after the killing.
Assemblymember David Tangipa (R-Fresno) blamed Governor Gavin Newsom’s sanctuary policies for the murder, calling it preventable.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said sanctuary cities release criminal illegal aliens.

History

Historical Context

California voters approved Proposition 187 in November 1994, rejecting undocumented immigrants from public services with 58.93% support. The initiative, dubbed “Save Our State,” was immediately challenged and a federal district court struck it down in 1998, while the state Supreme Court halted enforcement after it was declared unconstitutional in 1997. Its defeat redirected the state’s immigration debate.

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Story summary

Judge Nichelle Holmes released Marcos Iriarte-Valdez on his own recognizance a day before he allegedly fatally stabbed 68-year-old Todd Stewart in Martinez.
Martinez Police Chief Andrew White said Iriarte-Valdez is jailed with a $1.1 million bail after the killing.
Assemblymember David Tangipa (R-Fresno) blamed Governor Gavin Newsom’s sanctuary policies for the murder, calling it preventable.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said sanctuary cities release criminal illegal aliens.

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