Arizona rancher in border crisis calls for Trump DHS pick Noem to take immediate action on 4 things.
A nomination hearing for South Dakota's governor is scheduled for Friday.
The confirmation hearing for South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem to head the Department of Homeland Security is being supported by law-and-order advocates and southern border stakeholders.
President-elect Trump announced her as his choice on Nov. 12, just days after winning the election, who was widely condemned as ineffective on border security under President Biden.
"The Trump transition team announced her nomination, stating that she was the first Governor to send National Guard Soldiers to help Texas fight the Biden Border Crisis, and they were sent a total of eight times. She will work closely with "Border Czar" Tom Homan to secure the Border, and will guarantee that our American Homeland is secure from our adversaries."
Trump emphasized combating migrant crime as a key campaign issue, which was largely overlooked by Democrats, who dismissed congressional hearings featuring testimony from victims' families as politically motivated.
Jim Chilton, an Arizona rancher whose property borders the end of one section of border wall, said, "I believe it's a fantastic nomination."
""Three people died on the ranch last year, two of whom likely died from dehydration, and one was murdered by a cartel. One of my cowboys discovered the body with his head cut off," he said to Planet Chronicle Digital over the phone."
He stated that five miles of his 50,000-acre property are protected by a wall, but thousands of people have crossed his property on another half-mile that is left exposed by incomplete construction. In April alone, he said, more than 5,600 people crossed his property around the end of the barrier.
He suggested finishing the wall, placing Border Patrol on it, arresting anyone attempting to climb over or cut through it, and preventing unauthorized entry into the United States.
Smugglers use cartel scouts to monitor the high ground and relay information to their counterparts via satellite and radio, keeping watch for Border Patrol agents above their ranch.
Authorities have thwarted their efforts when possible, however.
""A group with an AK-47 and 100 pounds of cocaine was apprehended on my ranch last month, which is simply unacceptable," Chilton stated."
According to Hector Garza, a member of the National Border Patrol Council Local 2455 in Laredo, the agents themselves are eager to resume their duties under a supportive White House.
""Border security and safety are our top priorities with the new Border Patrol leadership," he stated to Planet Chronicle Digital."
Agents under the Biden-Harris administration have faced challenges due to a shortage of personnel and resources.
"While our agents were busy processing family units and unaccompanied children at our open border, dangerous criminals were evading law enforcement, resulting in many criminals entering the U.S. and residing in our communities."
The threats include members of violent transnational gangs such as MS-13 and Tren de Aragua.
"Garza stated that the individuals are causing fear among U.S. citizens and now it will be challenging to reverse the actions taken by the Biden administration."
With the support of Trump, Noem, Homan, Customs and Border Protection commissioner nominee Rodney Scott, and members in Congress, he is confident they can get the job done.
""Congress is crucial to President Trump's success," he stated."
Noem, who has been an advocate for stronger border measures for over a decade, has promised to both secure the border and "restore safety to American communities" – many of which have been impacted by migrant crime in recent years. Prior to her election as South Dakota governor, she served in the House of Representatives and as a state lawmaker.
During the Biden-Harris administration, women and girls have been repeatedly victimized by shocking slayings in Texas, Maryland, Georgia, Massachusetts, and other parts of the country, drawing national attention.
On Monday, some of the victims' families will be present at Trump's inauguration for his second term.
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