Tension in California: Feds accuse sanctuary city of not cooperating in homicide case
On March 5, 2026, local authorities arrested Franquin Inestroza-Martínez and Gerzon José Chirinos-Munguía in connection to the crime, according to official information released by DHS.
CBP agents guard protesters near an ICE facility.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) accused Santa Clara County authorities in California of refusing to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in a case involving two Honduran nationals charged with the murder of a 24-year-old woman.
According to an official statement from DHS, local officials, in a jurisdiction considered a "sanctuary city," reportedly failed to abide by immigration detainers issued by ICE, which requested prior notification before any release of the suspects.
The case: One victim and two arrested
The events date back to Jan. 7, when police responded to a shooting in the city of Sunnyvale. Kembery Chirinos-Flores, a 24-year-old single mother, was found in her vehicle with multiple gunshot wounds. She was declared dead at the scene. The victim left behind a 5-year-old son.
On March 5, 2026, local authorities arrested Franquin Inestroza-Martínez and Gerzon José Chirinos-Munguía as allegedly responsible for the crime, according to official information released by DHS.
Society
ICE asks to hold immigrant for double homicide and reopens debate on 'sanctuary' policies
Diane Hernández
Background and immigration status
The DHS detailed that both suspects, both Honduran nationals, had entered the United States illegally on multiple occasions.
In the case of Inestroza-Martínez, federal authorities indicated that he was deported on two occasions (2013 and 2018) after irregular entry attempts and subsequently re-entered again. In addition, he faces an pending arrest warrant in the state of New Jersey for a homicide that occurred in March 2025.
For his part, Chirinos-Munguía was deported in 2015 and subsequently reportedly re-entered the country. He has a criminal record in Santa Clara County for domestic violence, threats, assault and false imprisonment, according to the release. He also reportedly had a personal bond with the victim.
The dispute over the detainers
In her statement, DHS Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis, criticized the actions of local officials:
"Instead of cooperating with ICE, Santa Clara sanctuary politicians REFUSED to honor ICE’s arrest detainer and will not notify ICE when these murderers are released from jail," he said.
The DHS argued that this lack of cooperation allowed the suspects to remain at large before their detention for the homicide.
Debate over "sanctuary" policies
The case has reignited the debate surrounding so-called sanctuary city policies, which limit collaboration between local authorities and federal immigration agencies.
The DHS argued that these policies can hinder immigration enforcement and affect public safety. In a message shared on social media, the agency reiterated its position, noting that the suspects "must NEVER be released back into our streets."
">🚨Santa Clara, California: Sanctuary politicians have REFUSED to work with ICE and turn over two criminal illegal aliens who MURDERED a 24-year-old single mother.
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) March 31, 2026
On January 7, Kimberley Chirinos-Flores was shot multiple times and killed by criminal illegal aliens Franquin… https://t.co/PzToaV87gD
So far, no specific response has been issued by Santa Clara County on this particular case.
A case with broader implications
Beyond the ongoing judicial process, the incident highlights persistent tensions between levels of government regarding immigration policy and police cooperation.
While federal authorities insist on the need for coordination to prevent serious crimes, the debate over the scope and limits of such cooperation remains a central issue on the country's political agenda.
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