Trump's DHS nominee Noem may face examination over deportation and border strategies during her confirmation hearing.

On Friday, Gov. Kristi Noem of South Dakota will attend a confirmation hearing to lead the Department of Homeland Security, with border security and plans for a large-scale deportation operation being the main topics of discussion.

The Senate Homeland Security Committee will hear from Nominee Noem, who was nominated by President-elect Trump to lead DHS, at 9 a.m. ET.

The governor has remained relatively low-key, with more contentious nominees capturing the attention of politicians and the media. However, if she is confirmed, she will assume a significant role in the next administration, overseeing not only border security but also cybersecurity, disaster response, and counterterrorism efforts.

The significance of FEMA's role has been emphasized recently, with wildfires ravaging Los Angeles and during the hurricane season last year.

She will also participate in the fight for cybersecurity, including combating threats from communist China.

Noem has experience in dealing with natural disasters and cybersecurity. As governor, she banned TikTok from state-owned devices in 2022 due to the company's ties to China. Additionally, Dakota State University has a top cyber unit in the country, and the cybersecurity industry is rapidly growing in South Dakota, thanks to Noem's encouragement.

The state has dealt with flooding, including in June when there were record-setting floods, giving Noem in-depth experience with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

In 2018, Noem, a former congressman, was elected governor of South Dakota and won re-election in 2022.

The promise by Trump to launch a historic deportation operation is likely to be a contentious issue in any discussions about border security.

Trump, while nominating Noem, asserted that she is highly robust in safeguarding the border.

Trump stated that he will collaborate with Tom Homan, the "Border Czar," to safeguard the border and ensure the security of the American homeland from threats. He has known Kristi for many years and has worked with her on numerous projects. She will be a valuable asset to their mission to make America safer again.

Noem stated that with Donald Trump, the border will be secured and American communities will be made safe, allowing families to once again have the chance to pursue the American dream.

Homan will lead the deportation operation, while Noem will oversee DHS agencies, including CBP and ICE.

Democrats may decide to question Noem about their opposition to mass deportations, even though several Democrats have expressed their willingness to support border security and legislation requiring ICE detention for certain illegal immigrants -- following a significant border crisis during the Biden administration that only recently ended, and which was a major issue in the 2024 election.

As governor, Noem previously pledged not to accept migrants from terrorist hot spots and in 2021, she deployed National Guard to the border in Texas.

"When you become an American, call me," she said on Facebook in 2021.

The new chairman of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., predicts a swift confirmation of Noem and expects a few Democrats to vote in favor.

""I believe that any effort to slow down the illegal migration would be an improvement, as the bar is set so low," Paul stated. "I anticipate that the entire [Trump] administration will be very aggressive, not just her," he added."