Police union backs Kristi Noem as the best pick to tackle border crisis and says confirming her at Homeland Security must be ‘priority’

The International Union of Police Associations has thrown its weight behind South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem to head Donald Trump‘s Department of Homeland Security, and is demanding her rapid Senate confirmation.

In a letter to Sen. Rand Paul, the incoming chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, the union’s president spells out why Noem is the best person to stem an ‘epidemic of crime’ caused by weak enforcement of immigration laws.

‘The United States Senate must confirm Gov. Noem as soon as possible,’ writes Samuel A. Cabral, in a letter obtained by DailyMail.com.

‘The border security crisis demands immediate action, we cannot afford to wait on this critical job in President Trump’s Administration.

‘Confirming Kristi Noem is a national security priority.’ 

Noem was a surprise choice in some quarters for Homeland Security, which addresses border security, emergency relief and cybersecurity.

But she came with the support of incoming border czar Tom Homan. 

And the latest backing comes hard on the heels of similar endorsements by the National Association of Police Organizations and the Fraternal Order of Police.

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem is Donald Trump’s choice to lead the Department of Homeland Security. She has won the backing of three major police unions

The International Union of Police Associations has given its backing to Noem

‘There is definitely strong and growing support for Noem’s quick confirmation from law enforcement,’ said a source familiar with her nomination. 

‘There is a clear sense among the people whose job it is to keep Americans safe that Gov. Noem is the right choice and she must be confirmed without delay, once the administration takes office.’

The International Union of Police Associations is an affiliate of the AFL-CIO, and says it represents 100,000 full time employees of law enforcement agencies.

In his letter, Cabral writes that foreign criminal gangs such as Tren De Aragua ‘terrorize entire neighborhoods across many states.

‘Too many scarce public resources are being spent on people in our country illegally. Our nation is facing a security crisis,’ he writes.

I.U.P.A. supports Donald Trump’s nomination of Gov. Kristi Noem for secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, and we believe she is the best leader to restore the rule of law and protect our homeland.

‘Gov. Noem has a proven record of making tough decisions and taking immediate action to address problems head on. 

Trump is facing headwinds on other Cabinet picks. Matt Gaetz stood aside after it became clear his nomination for attorney general would get bogged down on Capitol Hill and Pete Hegseth has been hit by waves on negative publicity after being picked to head the Department of Defense.

Trump has seen other nominees hit headwinds, but Noem has the support of major law enforcement organizations

Noem should an easier confirmation.

Paul, whose committee holds a key role, has already said he will ‘expeditiously move President Trump’s critical nominees, including Governor Kristi Noem, in time for Inauguration Day.’

The National Association of Police Organizations also called on the Senate to expedite her confirmation so that she could immediately get to work.

‘Governor Noem has a proven record of supporting the men and women of law enforcement and making the rule of law a priority,’ wrote its executive director William Johnson.