Senate Confirms Noem as Homeland Security Chief, Immigrants Update Google Maps

Senate Confirms Noem as Homeland Security Chief, Immigrants Update Google Maps

4 minute read
Published: 1/25/2025

In a move that would make any South Dakota resident proud, Governor Kristi Noem has officially traded in her cowboy boots for a federal badge as the new Secretary of Homeland Security, promising to ‘secure’ the southern border before lunch.

With a Senate confirmation of 59 to 34, Noem is taking the reins of the Department of Homeland Security, where she plans to revive Trump's controversial 'Remain in Mexico' policy and ensure Border Patrol agents are well-funded and reloaded, all while balancing the daily demands of her new office—like finding the right size of cowboy hat to go with her federal badge.

As Noem steps into this pivotal role, she will oversee several high-profile agencies, including US Customs and Border Protection, US Secret Service, and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Some might say her plate is more full than a South Dakota dinner plate at Thanksgiving—but that’s just a matter of perspective. During her confirmation hearing, she made it quite clear that fixing the southern border, which she described as 'not secure,' is at the top of her agenda. It seems that the call for stronger border control is resonating as loudly as a bullhorn in an empty football stadium.

In a bid to return to the policies of the past, Noem has pledged to restore the aforementioned 'Remain in Mexico' policy, which has been a topic of heated debate and even hotter headlines across the nation. Critics might label the approach as a throwback to simpler, albeit contentious, times, but for Noem and her supporters, it’s a necessary evil—as comforting as a quilt made of grandpappy’s old flannel shirts. She's also determined to eliminate the parole program for certain migrants, proving that borders aren't the only thing she's aiming to tighten up.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune chimed in with a reminder that restoring respect for the rule of law remains a paramount concern for Trump and the Republicans. Evidently, this isn't just about keeping people out; it’s also about making sure everyone’s adhering to a set of guidelines that have been likened to a strict set of instructions for assembling inscrutable IKEA furniture. One wrong move, and suddenly you're left with nine extra screws and a table that wobbles like a three-legged dog.

Noem has promised to ensure that Border Patrol agents receive the necessary resources to carry out their duties effectively. While no specific budget has emerged yet, one can only imagine her plans might involve equipping them with the latest gadgets that would make James Bond jealous. A comprehensive approach to border security also includes safeguarding critical infrastructure against illegal trafficking—a task that might include keeping a closer eye on suspicious-looking trucks, which in the past may have carried cute puppies instead of illicit goods.

Her previous experience as a duly elected governor of South Dakota and four-term congresswoman has set her up for this role, although some might point out that overseeing border security is quite different from running a state where everyone knows each other’s latest fishing tales. Noem was confirmed as the United States’ new Secretary of Homeland Security with a Senate vote of 59 to 34, which reflects a level of support amidst a polarized political climate. As part of her new role, she will oversee US Customs and Border Protection, US Secret Service, and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Interestingly, not too long ago, Noem was rumored to be on the short list for a vice-presidential candidate under Trump, which leads one to wonder what other career paths she might explore next. Perhaps teaching a master class in political ascendance or holding stock in regions where cafe lattes and border patrols overlap.

At a time when controversial discussions around the military's involvement in immigration enforcement as proposed by Trump arise, Noem ensures her stance is unwavering. It sounds like a statement of elegance—after all, there’s nothing quite as comforting as the thought of military personnel standing guard over a sandwich shop. Yet Noem’s interests primarily lie in collaboration and resource allocation—as if every border patrol agent could get their own personal assistant straight out of a 90s sitcom.

Moreover, as the media waves their arms and continues to scrutinize Noem's past—which includes an eyebrow-raising episode involving her memoir and a dog-related incident—her promise to administer disaster relief without political bias serves as an interesting counterpoint. Apparently, disaster comes in many forms, and it seems even her dog had a problem with the literary style, and wasn’t shy about exhibiting it.

In conclusion, with a firm grip on federal duties and a penchant for old-school policies, Secretary Noem’s journey from the Montana plains to high-stakes Washington is sure to be anything but uneventful. As Americans watch with curiosity and perhaps a bit of bewilderment, it remains to be seen if she will effectively steer the Department of Homeland Security through turbulent waters or merely adjust the flow of traffic on Google Maps.

Stay tuned for the latest traffic updates, brought to you by the United States’ new Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem. Because who better to navigate the highways and byways than someone used to handling national crises? Buckle up!