The Senate on Saturday approved the nomination of South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (R) to lead the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), putting her at the center of an administration focused heavily on immigration.

The 59-34 vote to confirm Noem capped off a relatively smooth process even as other nominees face more intense scrutiny.

Six Democrats voted with Republicans to confirm Noem: Sens. John Fetterman (Pa.), Tim Kaine (Va.), Andy Kim (N.J.), Gary Peters (Mich.), Jeanne Shaheen (N.H.) and Elissa Slotkin (Mich.).

Noem will lead one of the most sprawling agencies in government and one of particular importance in a Trump administration determined to crack down on immigration.

During his first week in office, President Trump signed a number of orders on immigration, taking steps to militarize the border and crack down on many legal pathways for immigrating to the U.S.

That included suspending refugee admissions and working to limit asylum — another pathway for those fleeing danger and persecution.

He also sought to end birthright citizenship for children not born to U.S. citizens. While the order would apply to children of those unlawfully........

© The Hill