The Senate confirmed Krisi Noem as secretary of the Department of Homeland Security on Saturday, voting to give President Donald Trump another Cabinet official who has pledged to help carry out his aggressive crackdown on illegal immigration.

By Ted Hesson WASHINGTON - 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.

The Senate voted on Saturday to confirm Kristi Noem as homeland security secretary, putting a former South Dakota governor in charge of the department at the heart of President Trump’s agenda to crack down on immigration. The vote was 59 to 34, and she was sworn-in on Saturday afternoon by the Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas.

Trump refuted reports that he invited Democratic Sen. Adam Schiff to join him to tour the wildfire damage in Los Angeles. Schiff told other news outlets that he declined the invitation from the White House because of Senate Cabinet confirmation votes taking place today.

Noem and committee Republicans focused on the border while Democrats asked about foreign and home-grown terrorism during a cordial hearing.

President Donald Trump delivered remarks in Las Vegas and traveled to Miami as the administration pushes his immigration agenda.

President Donald Trump kicked off his second term with a flurry of executive actions on immigration, Jan. 6, health policy and more.

Before Trump spoke in Las Vegas, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem was confirmed as the next secretary of Homeland Security

The former South Dakota governor was confirmed as the next secretary of Homeland Security in a 59-34 vote on Saturday.

Noem will now lead a federal department tasked with enforcing Trump’s hardline immigration policies, despite her lack of experience with homeland security issues.