South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, the Homeland Security nominee, criticized the California governor as she tried to reassure senators that she would avoid

Kristi Noem, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee to lead the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), vowed at her Senate confirmation hearing to lead a crackdown on immigration by securing the "war zone" at the US-Mexico border and deporting unauthorised migrants.

Noem and committee Republicans focused on the border while Democrats asked about foreign and home-grown terrorism during a cordial hearing.

President-elect Donald Trump‘s nominee to lead the Department of Homeland Security, Gov. Kristi Noem (R-SD), vowed to prioritize border security nationwide should she be confirmed by the Senate to carry out the Republican administration’s vision.

Kristi Noem, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for Homeland Security secretary, is before the Senate on Friday for her confirmation hearing. See her opening statement.

So far, Kristi Noem appears to have strong backing from GOP senators who will be crucial to her confirmation as head of the Department of Homeland Security.