WASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump has chosen South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem to lead the Homeland Security Department. This decision aligns with his strategy to reduce illegal immigration.

Trump praised Noem for her actions in deploying the National Guard from South Dakota to the southern border, stating she will closely collaborate with his newly appointed “border czar” to enhance security along the southern border.

This key position requires Senate confirmation, indicating Trump’s intent to formally nominate Noem for approval.

In her response, Noem expressed feeling “honored and humbled” by the nomination. She stated, “I look forward to working alongside Border Czar Tom Homan to ensure America is SAFE once more. Together with Donald Trump, we will secure the border and bring safety back to American communities, allowing families to once again strive for the American Dream.”

Noem, a staunch supporter of Trump who was previously considered as his running mate and campaigned alongside him in 2024, represented South Dakota in Congress from 2011 to 2019. She made history in 2018 as the first female governor of South Dakota and was reelected in 2022.

Should she get confirmed, Noem will play a crucial role in managing the influx of migrants at the southern border, a key issue during Trump’s campaign. Although the number of migrant apprehensions has significantly decreased compared to last year, this remains a focal point.

Noem’s selection comes as Trump has also appointed two other hardline conservatives to support his plans for large-scale deportations of undocumented immigrants. Tom Homan, a former Border Patrol chief, will serve as “border czar,” while Stephen Miller, an essential immigration advisor to Trump, will take on the role of White House deputy chief of staff for policy.

A rancher, farmer, and small-business owner, the 52-year-old Noem was considered by Trump for vice president earlier this year, but her candidacy faltered following public outcry after she admitted in her memoir to putting down her dog, Cricket, for being “untrainable.”

Noem also recounted in her memoir, “No Going Back,” an encounter with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during her time in Congress. She claimed he underestimated her, citing her experience. However, her statement was proven false, as her spokesperson later clarified that Kim had erroneously been included in a list of leaders she had met, and this anecdote would be revised in future editions.

As governor, Noem has implemented a conservative agenda, including a “trigger law” that bans most abortions, except when the mother’s life is endangered, following the Supreme Court’s reversal of Roe v. Wade in 2022.

This year, all nine Native American tribes in South Dakota excluded Noem from their reservations after she accused tribal leaders of benefiting from drug cartels.

Earlier this year, House Republicans impeached President Joe Biden’s Homeland Security Secretary, Alejandro Mayorkas, over his management of border security, claiming he knowingly allowed the migration crisis to worsen. The House passed two articles of impeachment, accusing Mayorkas of “willful and systemic refusal to comply with the law” and “breach of public trust.” However, both articles were dismissed in the Senate in April.