In a mic-drop moment of political realness, Governor Gavin Newsom’s office just schooled South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem on California’s actual immigration enforcement policies. Spoiler alert: The state isn’t the lawless sanctuary everyone claims it is.

Contrary to right-wing talking points, California has been low-key collaborating with ICE to handle serious criminal cases since 2019. We’re talking about transferring over 12,000 individuals convicted of violent crimes directly into federal immigration custody. That’s right - murderers, rapists, and other dangerous offenders aren’t getting a free pass.

But here’s the tea: Federal immigration officials are dropping the ball. They’re failing to pick up roughly 12.5% of individuals with existing ICE detainers. Instead of efficiently managing these cases, they’re playing an ineffective game of bureaucratic hide-and-seek across California communities.

California’s laws are crystal clear. The state allows - and even facilitates - communication with ICE for individuals convicted of serious crimes. We’re talking about a comprehensive list that includes everything from violent felonies and sexual crimes to drug trafficking and gang-related offenses.

The Governor’s office isn’t just pushing back against Noem’s claims; they’re fundamentally defending a nuanced approach to immigration that protects both public safety and vulnerable community members. By ensuring that victims of domestic violence and human trafficking aren’t terrorized into silence, California is creating a more just system.

Bottom line? This isn’t about “harboring criminals” - it’s about smart, responsible law enforcement that respects constitutional boundaries and human dignity. And to Kristi Noem, the message is simple: Maybe try Googling before sending inflammatory letters next time.

California continues to lead with a pragmatic, compassionate approach that refuses to be bullied by fear-mongering federal tactics. We’re here for justice, not performative politics.