Kristi Noem, former governor of South Dakota, was confirmed by the U.S. Senate as President Donald Trump’s Homeland Security secretary on Saturday. The Senate vote was 59 to 34, reflecting strong Republican support. Noem’s confirmation positions her as a crucial member of Trump’s Cabinet, as he initiates a comprehensive immigration crackdown.
Noem’s Hardline Immigration Stance
Noem shares President Trump’s tough stance on immigration, having referred to illegal immigration as an “invasion” during her confirmation hearing. She is expected to play a key role in implementing Trump’s aggressive policies aimed at reducing illegal immigration and enhancing border security, which were central to his platform during the 2020 election.

With Noem’s confirmation, Trump continues his efforts to reshape U.S. immigration policy, focusing on deporting illegal immigrants and securing the southern border. Trump has already signed several executive orders to tighten border controls and promote deportation initiatives. These moves are designed to counteract high levels of illegal immigration that he attributes to the Biden administration’s policies.
Noem’s Experience with Border Security
Though South Dakota is far from the southern border, Noem has demonstrated her commitment to border security. She deployed National Guard troops to assist Texas with border enforcement, including a 2021 deployment funded by a Republican billionaire. Noem has referred to the U.S.-Mexico border as a “war zone,” emphasizing the urgency of addressing illegal immigration.
During her confirmation hearing, Noem was asked about workers without legal status in agriculture. While she focused on deporting criminal offenders and those with final deportation orders, she did not address protections for farm workers. Noem’s family ranch, which employs temporary farm workers, has faced scrutiny from conservative groups for its reliance on guest workers, arguing that it depresses wages.