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Noem Pledges to Secure Border as DHS Chief

By Seth Tupper/South Dakota Searchlight Jan 19, 2025 | 9:14 AM

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, nominee for secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, speaks during her confirmation hearing. (Photo by Eric Thayer/Getty Images via the North Dakota Monitor)

 

(Seth Tupper – North Dakota Monitor) –  South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem told members of the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Friday that she will be “vigilant and proactive and innovative to protect the homeland” as she carries out President-elect Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown.

“The challenges in front of us are extremely significant, and we must secure our borders against illegal trafficking and immigration,” Noem, Trump’s nominee for DHS secretary, said in her opening statement. She said she will get rid of a mobile app used by migrants to make appointments with asylum officers to plead their cases that’s been criticized by Republicans.

Noem’s nomination hearing was one of the last before Monday’s Inauguration Day. Most were tame, save for the hearing for the Defense secretary nominee, Fox News personality Pete Hegseth. Most nominees appeared on their way to easy confirmations in the GOP-controlled Senate.

Noem’s hearing was mainly friendly, with Democrats concerned about the U.S.-Canada border, assistance for natural disasters, cybersecurity and domestic terrorism.

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