WASHINGTON, D.C. — President-elect Donald Trump has nominated South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem to lead the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), a move welcomed by border security advocates as she prepares for her Senate confirmation hearing on Friday. Trump announced Noemu2019s nomination on Nov. 12, just days after defeating Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election.
Noem, a staunch supporter of Trumpu2019s border policies, gained national attention for deploying South Dakota National Guard troops to assist Texas in addressing what she called the u201cBiden Border Crisis.u201d The Trump transition team highlighted her efforts in a statement, noting she sent troops eight times and will collaborate with u2018Border Czaru2019 Tom Homan to secure the southern border.
Trumpu2019s campaign heavily emphasized combating migrant crime, a key issue for voters that critics argue was overlooked by Democrats. Noemu2019s nomination aligns with his promise to prioritize border security and address concerns about illegal immigration and transnational crime.
Jim Chilton, an Arizona rancher whose property borders a section of the incomplete border wall, praised Noemu2019s nomination. u201cI think itu2019s a wonderful, wonderful nomination,u201d Chilton told Fox News Digital. He described the dangers faced by ranchers near the border, including cartel violence and illegal crossings. In April alone, more than 5,600 people crossed his property, he said.
Chilton recounted the deaths of three individuals on his ranch last year, including one allegedly murdered by a cartel. u201cThe solution is to finish the wall, put the Border Patrol on the wall, and prevent anybody from coming into the United States without proper documentation,u201d he said.
Border Patrol agents also expressed optimism about Noemu2019s leadership. Hector Garza, a 20-year veteran and president of the National Border Patrol Council Local 2455 in Laredo, Texas, said agents are eager to work under a supportive administration. u201cWeu2019re excited for the new Border Patrol leadership,u201d Garza told Fox News Digital. u201cIt means safety for us as agents.u201d
Garza criticized the Biden-Harris administration for what he called an u201copen borderu201d policy, which he said left agents overwhelmed by processing family units and unaccompanied children while dangerous criminals evaded capture. He highlighted the threat posed by transnational gangs like MS-13 and Tren de Aragua, which he said are u201cterrorizingu201d U.S. communities.
Noem, who has advocated for stronger border measures for over a decade, vowed to u201crestore safety to American communitiesu201d during her tenure. Before becoming governor, she served in the U.S. House of Representatives and as a South Dakota state legislator.
Her confirmation hearing comes amid heightened concerns about migrant-related crimes, including high-profile cases in Texas, Maryland, Georgia, and Massachusetts. Trump has invited some victimsu2019 families to attend his inauguration on Monday, underscoring his commitment to addressing border security and public safety.
Noemu2019s nomination has drawn support from key figures in border security, including former Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott, who is also set to return to a leadership role under Trump. u201cPresident Trump canu2019t do it alone,u201d Garza said. u201cCongress is a very important piece of the puzzle.u201d
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