Kristi Noem was confirmed by the U.S. Senate as President Donald Trump's Homeland Security secretary on Saturday, putting into position a key member of the Republican's Cabinet as he launches a wide-ranging immigration crackdown.

If confirmed, Noem would lead the department poised to be at the center of Trump's immigration policy priorities, including any deportation efforts, visa changes and border security.

The Senate on Saturday voted for Kristi Noem to become President Trump’s Homeland Security secretary, giving him a loyal lieutenant at the helm of the department that will carry out his border and immigration plans.

Trump supporters love her. But the South Dakota governor will likely be asked about family separation at the border - and the dog she says she shot.

Noem will now oversee 22 agencies with more than 260,000 employees - working on issues ranging from the border to federal disaster management, to the Secret Service.

Noem received 59 votes in favor and 34 votes against, easily clearing the simple majority threshold she needed for confirmation.

Noem will be in charge of executing one of President Trump's biggest priorities in his second term: cracking down on immigration.

If confirmed, Noem would lead the department poised to be at the center of Trump's immigration policy priorities, including any deportation efforts, visa changes and border security.

If confirmed, Noem will oversee more than 260,000 federal employees at agencies ranging from the Coast Guard and the Transportation Security Administration to the Federal Emergency Management ...

21 (UPI) --Linda Fagan, the first female admiral of the U.S. Coast Guard, was dismissed by ... U.S. News // 11 hours ago Kristi Noem easily confirmed as Homeland Security secretary Jan. 25 ...

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem​, President-elect Donald Trump's pick to lead the sprawling Department of Homeland Security, is set to field questions from lawmakers.