Border Patrol agents back Kristi Noem for DHS leadership amid calls for action
- The National Border Patrol Council has endorsed Kristi Noem for Secretary of DHS, highlighting her leadership experience.
- The endorsement letter was sent to Senators expressing urgency for her confirmation.
- Noem's proactive measures in border security position her as a supportive figure for law enforcement efforts.
In recent weeks, Kristi Noem, the Governor of South Dakota, has received strong support from the National Border Patrol Council (NBPC), a labor union representing approximately 18,000 Border Patrol agents. The union endorsed President-elect Donald Trump’s nomination of Noem as the next Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This endorsement was formally communicated in a letter sent by NBPC President Paul Perez to Senators Gary Peters and Rand Paul, expressing their desire for a swift confirmation process. The letter emphasized Noem's capability to effectively lead, citing her previous actions such as her support for Operation Lone Star, which aimed to enhance border security by deploying National Guard personnel to Texas. Noem’s experience in both South Dakota and during her tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives was highlighted as evidence of her leadership strengths. Trump's nomination of Noem included a note commending her proactive approach towards border security, stating that she was the first governor to send National Guard troops to assist Texas amid what he referred to as the Biden border crisis. This support further aligns with Noem’s established reputation for taking decisive actions on issues pertaining to border security. Law enforcement organizations have also backed Noem, indicating a broader consensus regarding her qualifications for the role within DHS. As the nominee, her primary responsibilities would encompass overseeing agencies such as U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, making her appointment particularly critical amidst ongoing discussions about border security policies. The sentiments expressed by the NBPC reflect a prevailing concern among law enforcement regarding the current state of immigration and border issues, asserting that under Noem, they can expect commendable efforts in securing the nation's borders and addressing the challenges faced by the agencies involved. The endorsement underscores the anticipation surrounding her potential leadership and the direction she could steer the DHS in the coming years, especially in light of the increasing pressure to manage border-related challenges effectively.