‘Secure our border’: Massive police org calls on Trump, Rand Paul to swiftly confirm Noem to DHS

The Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) has thrown its support behind South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem as the next secretary of homeland security, sending letters to both President-elect Trump and Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., to express their endorsement. The FOP, which represents roughly 377,000 law enforcement officers nationwide, highlighted Governor Noem’s commitment to the rule of law and public safety as reasons for their support.

In his letter to Trump, FOP national president Patrick Yoes emphasized Governor Noem’s track record of supporting law enforcement during her time in the House of Representatives and as Governor of South Dakota. The FOP endorsed Governor Noem for re-election in 2022, citing her belief in the rule of law and dedication to public safety. Yoes expressed confidence that, once confirmed, Governor Noem would work with the FOP to secure the border, combat the flow of fentanyl into the United States, and support the critical missions of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

The DHS, which oversees agencies such as U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the U.S. Secret Service, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, plays a crucial role in defending the homeland and keeping Americans safe. Yoes called on both Trump and the Senate to swiftly confirm Governor Noem so that law enforcement officers can effectively address issues such as illegal immigration and the trafficking of deadly fentanyl.

In a separate letter to Sen. Rand Paul, Yoes urged the upcoming chairman of the committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs to expedite Governor Noem’s confirmation process. Yoes stressed the importance of swiftly confirming nominees to ensure a seamless transition and enable DHS to take bold actions in protecting communities under the Trump administration.

Governor Noem’s nomination by President Trump comes at a critical time, as the nation grapples with challenges such as the immigration crisis at the southern border and the devastating impact of the drug epidemic. Noem, who has served as governor of South Dakota since 2019, gained national attention for her leadership during the pandemic, particularly for her opposition to strict lockdown orders and mask mandates.

Republican state leaders have praised Trump’s selection of Governor Noem to lead DHS, with Texas Governor Greg Abbott dubbing her a “border hawk” for her tough stance on illegal immigration. The FOP’s endorsement of Governor Noem is expected to be the first of many law enforcement endorsements in support of her nomination.

Overall, the FOP’s endorsement underscores Governor Noem’s strong track record on law enforcement issues and her commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the American public. If confirmed as secretary of homeland security, Governor Noem will work closely with law enforcement agencies to secure the border, combat drug trafficking, and protect communities across the nation.