Official announcement from DHS or major news outlets

Kristi Noem Vows to Secure Border in Senate Confirmation for Homeland Security Secretary

Jan 17, 2025, 02:05 PM

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, President Donald Trump's nominee for Secretary of Homeland Security, appeared before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs on Friday for her confirmation hearing, which began at 9 a.m. ET. Noem outlined her vision for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), emphasizing that border security would be a top priority under her leadership. She stated that her goal is to ensure that the United States remains 'safer, stronger, and freer,' and stressed the importance of maintaining national borders, saying, 'Our nation is a nation with borders or we're no nation at all.' She pledged, 'Today, I'm here to tell you that we will secure the border and enforce the laws of this land.' Noem is expected to align closely with President Trump's hardline immigration policies, including reinstating the 'Remain in Mexico' program, scrapping the CBP One app, stopping flights bringing illegal immigrants into the country, and ending unilateral mass parole. The DHS, with over 260,000 employees and nearly 20 distinct components such as CBP, ICE, USCIS, TSA, and the Coast Guard, is the third-largest government agency. Senate Homeland Security Committee Chair Rand Paul commented on the vast scope of the department, stating that it 'epitomizes, in many ways, unchecked power.' The confirmation hearing attracted significant public interest, with lines wrapping around the hallway, and included readings of support such as a letter from the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. Senators are questioning Noem on her qualifications and vision for the role, particularly concerning the Trump administration's sweeping immigration plans, which include a promised mass deportation operation. The hearing marks one of the final confirmations for President Trump's cabinet.