DHS Blames Biden for Release of Stalker Who Killed Sacramento Woman

Key points

• DHS confirmed Rohit Rohit entered the U.S. illegally via Arizona in 2023 and was released by the Biden administration.
• Victim Shalini Thakur, 38, was shot and killed in a Panera Bread parking lot in Sacramento on September 9.
• Rohit had stalked Thakur since at least January 2026, including hiding an AirTag under her car and entering her home.
• Thakur obtained a restraining order in May 2026 after deputies urged her to do so, but Rohit violated it in July.
• Rohit died by suicide during a standoff on Highway 50 after fleeing the crime scene.
• DHS criticized sanctuary policies, while Gov. Newsom’s office argued the focus should be on enforcing restraining orders.

Background

This incident follows earlier reports from September 9-10, 2026, detailing the shooting and the suspect’s suicide. Previous coverage highlighted the months-long pattern of harassment, including the discovery of an Apple AirTag and unauthorized entry into Thakur’s apartment. The case gained national attention due to the intersection of domestic violence, immigration policy, and local law enforcement protocols in California.

How outlets are covering it

DHS and political allies framed the killing as a direct result of the Biden administration’s immigration policies, stating that the tragedy would have been avoided if Rohit had not been released. In contrast, the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office and Gov. Newsom’s office emphasized that the case highlights failures in enforcing restraining orders and protecting victims from stalking, rather than immigration status. The Sacramento Bee reported that local law enforcement does not have access to immigration status information due to California’s sanctuary laws, while DHS pointed to federal court records showing Rohit’s case was pending with no appeal filed. The victim’s family focused on the emotional toll and the failure of the system to protect their daughter, with her mother stating that police did not protect her.

Why it matters

The case underscores the ongoing national debate over immigration enforcement versus local law enforcement priorities in domestic violence cases. It highlights the potential gaps in protecting victims who have obtained restraining orders but continue to face harassment. The DHS’s public statement may influence political discourse on sanctuary policies, while the family’s grief and the details of the stalking may prompt reviews of how restraining orders are enforced and how victims are supported after reporting harassment.

What to watch

Investigators are still determining the immediate sequence of events leading to the shooting. The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office is likely to review its protocols for handling restraining order violations and victim safety. DHS may continue to use this case in political messaging regarding immigration policy. The family is planning a funeral service, and the community is mourning the loss of Shalini Thakur.