On January 25, 2025, the U.S. Senate confirmed South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem as the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with a bipartisan vote of 59-34. All Republican senators supported her nomination, along with several Democrats, including Senators John Fetterman (PA), Tim Kaine (VA), Elissa Slotkin (MI), Andy Kim (NJ), Jeanne Shaheen (NH), and Gary Peters (MI).
Background and Confirmation Process
Governor Noem’s confirmation process proceeded smoothly, advancing out of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee by a vote of 13-2, with only two Democrats opposing. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) congratulated Noem, stating, “I know she’s ready to get to work for President Trump and the American people.”
Responsibilities and Priorities
As DHS Secretary, Noem will oversee agencies such as U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), playing a crucial role in implementing President Donald Trump’s agenda to secure the southern border and address illegal immigration. She has been a vocal critic of previous administration policies, describing the U.S.-Mexico border situation as a “warzone” and emphasizing the need for stringent border security measures.
Recent DHS Actions
In alignment with the administration’s priorities, DHS has recently intensified efforts to apprehend criminal illegal immigrants. Between midnight on January 21 and 9 a.m. on January 22, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested over 460 illegal immigrants with criminal histories, including offenses such as sexual assault, domestic violence, robbery, burglary, aggravated assault, and drug and weapon charges.
Looking Ahead
Secretary Noem’s confirmation marks the fourth Cabinet appointment in President Trump’s second term, following the confirmations of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. Her leadership is anticipated to further the administration’s commitment to national security and immigration enforcement.