Kristi Noem, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for Homeland Security secretary, has been praised by Tom Homan, the administration’s border czar, for her readiness to tackle the migrant crisis.
Homan recently met with Noem at Mar-a-Lago to discuss strategies for sealing the US border and implementing mass deportations.
Homan expressed confidence in Noem’s abilities after their meeting, according to The New York Post.
“She asked very detailed questions, so she understands it,” he said. “She has a few ideas of her own that I think will add to what we’re trying to do. She’s a fast learner and engaged 100 per cent a great pick”, Homan added.
While Homan refrained from revealing the specifics of their discussion, he hinted at plans to intensify border enforcement and carry out large-scale deportations.
Noem, who served as South Dakota governor, has a history of tough stances on border issues.
She was the first governor to deploy state National Guard troops to assist Texas in controlling illegal crossings under the Biden administration, a move Trump highlighted when announcing her nomination.
“Kristi has been very strong on Border Security,” Trump said in a statement. “She will work closely with ‘Border Czar’ Tom Homan to secure the Border and guarantee that our American Homeland is secure from our adversaries”, the President-elect added.
Noem has consistently advocated for stricter immigration policies. She has supported punitive measures against sanctuary cities that refuse to cooperate with federal authorities and opposed court rulings that found some voting laws discriminatory.
Meanwhile, Homan outlined his vision for combating illegal immigration, which includes using military resources to support Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations and deploying ICE agents to sanctuary cities that resist federal cooperation.
If confirmed, Noem will oversee the Department of Homeland Security, a key agency in the administration’s push to curb illegal border crossings and enforce deportation efforts.