The South Dakota governor vowed to immediately deport criminal illegal immigrants.
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, the nominee for Department of Homeland Security (DHS) secretary, said that if confirmed, she would be ready to protect the country against terrorist threats and carry out President-elect Donald Trump’s mandate from the American people to secure the border.
Noem, a two-term Republican governor known for her advocacy for border security, appeared before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on Jan. 17.
“Border security must remain a top priority. As a nation, we have the right and responsibility to secure our borders against those who would do us harm. And we must create a fair and lawful immigration system that is efficient and effective and reflects our values,” she said.
Noam appeared to face little opposition during the hearing, with Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) suggesting a vote on her confirmation could come as soon as Monday.
Noem said stopping what she said was an invasion of illegal immigration and crime at the U.S. southern border is a top priority, along with deporting criminals staying in the country unlawfully while restoring public trust in the agency.
Committee Republicans portrayed the department she hopes to lead as a rouge agency with “unchecked power” that curtails free speech and labels U.S. citizens as domestic terrorists for political dissent—instead of targeting real threats such as ISIS terrorist group, illegal immigration, and crime.
Their questions revolved around how she would bring accountability back to the agency.
Meanwhile, Democrats questioned Noem about whether she would politicize who gets disaster aid and whether her loyalties lie with the U.S. Constitution or Trump.
Other questions from Democrats surrounded beefing up border personnel along the northern U.S. border, providing FEMA aid to California wildfire victims, and recognizing threats from extremist and racist groups.
Here are five key takeaways from the hearing:
1. Border Security and Crime
Noem said she would shut down the U.S. Customs and Border Protection CBP One app used by illegal immigrants to enter the country “on day one” if confirmed.
Her answer was in response to a question from Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), who complained those using the phone app weren’t even asked if they were seeking asylum or to provide evidence substantiating their claim.
