The Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) has formally extended its support for South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem as the nominee for Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). In letters addressed to President-elect Donald Trump and Senator Rand Paul, the FOP underscored Governor Noem’s longstanding commitment to law enforcement and public safety.

Solid Support from the FOP

In a letter obtained by Fox News Digital, Patrick Yoes, the national president of the FOP, emphasized Governor Noem’s historic alignment with the organization throughout her political career, including her service in the House of Representatives. “Governor Noem has been a longtime ally of the FOP during both her tenure in the House of Representatives and as Governor of South Dakota,” Yoes wrote, highlighting the FOP’s endorsement of her re-election campaign in 2022.

The organization has approximately 377,000 members nationwide and plays a significant role in lobbying for law enforcement issues. Yoes urged both Trump and the Senate to expedite Noem’s confirmation to address pressing concerns such as illegal immigration and the flow of fentanyl into the United States.

FOP’s Vision for Homeland Security

Yoes outlined in his letters that upon her confirmation, the FOP intends to collaborate with Governor Noem to enhance border security and tackle the fentanyl crisis. He noted that “the FOP will work with Governor Noem to secure our border” and support all critical missions of the DHS, which manages several federal law enforcement agencies including U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The urgency of Noem’s confirmation is underscored by the pressing challenges the DHS faces, particularly in light of issues such as illegal immigration and drug trafficking. “We especially encourage the committee to hold the earliest possible hearing on Governor Kristi L. Noem to be the next Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security,” Yoes wrote.

Encouragement from Senator Paul

In a separate correspondence directed to Senator Paul, who chairs the committee overseeing Noem’s confirmation, Yoes reiterated the FOP’s support. Paul has publicly committed to facilitating a swift confirmation process for critical appointees from the Trump administration, emphasizing the importance of having a capable leader in the DHS to protect communities across the nation.

“The U.S. Department of Homeland Security employs more law enforcement than any other Federal department,” Yoes continued, calling for the committee to expedite review processes for all nominees. This is particularly vital given the volatile security landscape facing the nation.

Noem’s Background and Credentials

Kristi Noem has served as South Dakota’s governor since 2019 and has garnered national attention for her bold policy decisions—especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Eschewing strict lockdown measures prevalent in other states, her approach embraced personal liberties, appealing to conservative constituents across the nation. In her tenure, Noem has emerged as a formidable advocate for securing the southern border and combating illegal immigration.

Following Trump’s announcement of Noem’s nomination, insiders indicated that the FOP’s endorsement is just the beginning of a larger coalition of law enforcement support rallying behind her. Her designation is seen as a significant step toward addressing the immigration crisis that has dominated national discourse since the onset of the Biden administration.

Trump’s Educational Pick and Its Implications

Trump’s choice of Noem as the nominee for DHS comes as he aims to address border security and the associated drug trafficking issues that have plagued communities. “She was the first Governor to send National Guard Soldiers to help Texas fight the Biden Border Crisis,” the former president asserted, suggesting a proactive approach to border management. Noem is expected to work closely with Border Czar Tom Homan to implement strategies geared toward ensuring national security.

Greg Abbott, the Republican governor of Texas, has praised Noem’s performance, labeling her as a “border hawk.” This term reflects the urgency with which she expects to tackle border issues, signaling a shift towards a more stringent immigration policy under her potential leadership.

The Road Ahead: Confirming Noem

The FOP’s endorsement of Kristi Noem is more than a mere formality; it symbolizes a crossroads for U.S. border and law enforcement policies. As various stakeholders, including law enforcement organizations, rally behind her, the push for her confirmation is indicative of a broader agreement on the necessity of secure borders and public safety measures.

As the confirmation process unfolds, Noem’s ability to garner bipartisan support will be pivotal. The FOP’s strong backing may play a critical role in influencing the Senate’s decision, as Noem prepares to step into a position that demands not only leadership but also a collaborative spirit to tackle one of the most pressing challenges facing the nation.