In a pointed exchange during Kristi Noem's confirmation hearing for Homeland Security Secretary, freshman Senator Bernie Moreno (R) contrasted her prospective leadership with the current administration's immigration policies. Moreno invoked the tragic case of Laken Riley, murdered by an illegal immigrant, suggesting Riley might still be alive had Noem been in charge. Noem responded affirmatively, expressing hope that such tragedies could be prevented under her leadership. The Laken Riley Act, currently under Senate consideration, aims to prevent similar crimes.
Moreno pressed Noem on several statistical comparisons with Secretary Mayorkas's record. He questioned how many individuals on the terror watchlist, convicted murderers, rapists, and other criminals she would permit into the country. Noem consistently emphasized her commitment to a "zero" tolerance policy for such individuals, contrasting sharply with the numbers cited under the current administration. She pledged to "work every single day" to keep these figures at zero and ensure immediate removal of any migrants with criminal convictions.
Moreno further criticized the practice of housing illegal immigrants in expensive hotels, a practice Noem vowed to discontinue, citing public disapproval. He challenged the Democratic Party to unanimously support Noem's confirmation, calling it a "litmus test" of their commitment to bipartisan cooperation on border security. He urged a swift confirmation vote, emphasizing the urgency of Noem's leadership at the Department of Homeland Security.
