Fraternal Order of Police demands swift confirmation of Kristi Noem for DHS leadership

The Fraternal Order of Police, representing around 377,000 law enforcement officers across the United States, has expressed strong support for Kristi Noem, the Governor of South Dakota, to be confirmed as the Secretary of Homeland Security. This endorsement was communicated through letters sent to both President-elect Donald Trump and Senator Rand Paul. In these letters, Patrick Yoes, the national president of the FOP, emphasized Noem's long-standing relationship with law enforcement and her commitments to public safety and the rule of law. He mentioned that the South Dakota State Lodge of the FOP had already endorsed her re-election campaign in 2022 for similar reasons. Yoes outlined the intention of the FOP to work alongside Noem to address critical issues such as securing the U.S. border and combating the influx of fentanyl-related drugs, which have been a significant concern for communities nationwide. The Department of Homeland Security, under Noem's potential leadership, would oversee several key federal agencies, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The FOP expressed urgency in having Noem confirmed promptly, to ensure a seamless transition as the Trump administration takes control. They reinforced their desire for the Senate to conduct an expeditious review of her nomination so that law enforcement could effectively tackle a host of challenges facing the country, including illegal immigration and drug trafficking. The letters from the FOP are seen as part of a growing list of law enforcement endorsements for Noem as she approaches her Senate confirmation process. Yoes specifically noted how her actions during her governorship, which included deploying National Guard troops to assist Texas in addressing issues related to illegal immigration, demonstrate her commitment to strong border security. Noem's hardline approach to immigration has garnered praise from various Republican figures who value her dedication to maintaining law and order. Additionally, Noem has gained national recognition for her response to the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly for resisting lockdown measures that were widely adopted by other states. Her initiatives have positioned her as a prominent conservative voice and a notable figure within the Republican Party, effectively making her nomination to head the DHS a well-supported choice from law enforcement leaders. In concluding his letter, Yoes declared the FOP’s readiness to collaborate with Noem once she assumes her role, aiming to bolster public safety and secure the nation’s borders amid growing concerns over illegal activities and drug trafficking.