Former President Trump's selection of South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem to lead the Department of Homeland Security has garnered significant support from law enforcement, border security advocates, and communities impacted by migrant-related crime. Noem's confirmation hearing is scheduled for Friday.
Trump designated Noem as his pick shortly after his electoral victory over Vice President Harris, whose tenure under President Biden was widely criticized for lax border security. The Trump transition team emphasized Noem's proactive approach, highlighting her deployment of the South Dakota National Guard to assist Texas in addressing the border situation. They also underscored her commitment to collaborating with "Border Czar" Tom Homan to enhance national security.
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem visits FOX Business Network's "Varney & Co" at Fox Business Network Studios on May 7, 2024, in New York City. (John Lamparski/Getty Images)
Arizona rancher Jim Chilton, whose property lies along the border, expressed strong approval of Noem's nomination, citing the dire consequences of unchecked border crossings, including deaths and violence on his land. He stressed the urgent need to complete border wall construction and bolster Border Patrol presence.
This photo shows migrants at the southern border encountered in Arizona. (U.S. Border Patrol)
Chilton described the sophisticated operations of cartel scouts who monitor border patrol activities and facilitate illegal crossings. He also recounted an incident where Border Patrol apprehended individuals with an AK-47 and a substantial amount of cocaine on his property.
Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., is pictured with his head down and his eyes closed during congressional testimony from the mothers of murder victims whose suspected killers were illegal immigrants on Sept. 10, 2024. (Cathie Groenewold)
Hector Garza, a veteran Border Patrol agent and union representative, expressed optimism about the change in leadership, emphasizing the importance of border security for agent safety. He criticized the Biden-Harris administration for inadequate resources and manpower, which he believes allowed dangerous criminals to enter the country. He expressed confidence in the ability of Trump, Noem, and other key officials to address these challenges, but emphasized the crucial role of Congress in supporting these efforts.
Arizona rancher Jim Chilton speaks at the Republican National Convention on July 17, 2024. (REUTERS/Mike Segar)
Garza highlighted the threat posed by transnational gangs like MS-13 and Tren de Aragua, asserting that they are terrorizing American communities. He acknowledged the difficulty of reversing the policies of the previous administration but expressed determination to restore security.
Hector Garza speaks during a news briefing alongside then-President Trump on Jan. 3, 2018. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (Brandon Bell/Getty Images/File)
Noem, a long-time advocate for stronger border security, has pledged to address border vulnerabilities and enhance safety in American communities impacted by migrant crime. Her experience includes service in the House of Representatives and as a South Dakota state lawmaker. Trump has invited families of victims of migrant-related crimes to his second-term inauguration.
