Few issues are more critical to the future of our nation than immigration. Immigration is not just a policy debate — it’s about sovereignty, safety, and securing the promise of America for future generations. Under President Donald Trump’s leadership, we saw bold action to protect our borders and enforce the rule of law.
Now, as the Biden administration’s weak policies leave the nation vulnerable, Trump has once again demonstrated his commitment to putting America First by tapping Kristi Noem and Tom Homan as leaders to spearhead his immigration agenda.
Noem and Homan represent the perfect pair to address this complex issue head-on: Homan is a veteran lawman with decades of experience enforcing immigration laws, while Noem is a well-respected and principled governor who has seen the consequences of illegal immigration and how it affects every corner of our nation. They bring complementary skills to the table and are committed to restoring America’s sovereignty, enforcing the law, and protecting citizens from the chaos unleashed by Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.
Kristi Noem: The Voice of America’s Heartland
The American people will benefit from South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem's different but just as important perspective on immigration. While South Dakota isn’t a border state, Noem understands the far-reaching consequences of illegal immigration. She has been a steadfast supporter of policies that put Americans first because of the devastating impact of drug trafficking on rural communities and the strain on local law enforcement Biden's Border Crisis has thrust on the American people.
Noem gained national recognition for her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. Unlike governors who imposed draconian lockdowns, Noem trusted her citizens to make their own decisions. This earned her praise from conservatives nationwide and demonstrated her ability to stand firm under pressure — a quality essential for tackling the challenges of immigration reform.
Beyond her leadership during the pandemic, Noem has taken bold steps to protect her state from the fallout of Biden’s border failures. She has mobilized resources to combat drug trafficking and highlighted how the border crisis impacts small towns and rural communities. Her grassroots approach ensures that Trump’s immigration policies will resonate in Washington, D.C., and across the heartland.
Tom Homan: The Enforcer America Needs
At his core, Tom Homan personifies law and order. As acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during President Trump's first administration, Homan proved that border security is achievable when leaders dare to enforce the law. The American people witnessed leadership executed through an unwavering focus on public safety, the prioritization of removing criminal aliens, holding sanctuary cities accountable to federal law, and allowing strong enforcement measures to deter illegal immigration organically.
Homan’s approach worked. During his tenure, the number of illegal immigrants arrested surged, and ICE became a key pillar of Trump’s strategy to secure the border. While Democrats and activist groups vilified him (see here and here), Homan remained undeterred. He appeared before Congress to defend his agency’s work, dismantling baseless attacks with facts and reminding critics that his job was to enforce laws passed by Congress.
Perhaps most notable is Homan’s unapologetic defense of the rule of law. He refused to back down in the face of protests or media smear campaigns. “The laws are clear,” he often said. “It’s my job to enforce them.” That commitment to principle is precisely what America needs as we confront the border crisis that has spiraled out of control under the Biden administration.
A Contrast in Leadership
The contrast between Noem and Homan’s leadership styles and Biden and Harris's incompetence could not be starker. While Noem and Homan have built careers on solving problems and delivering results, Biden and Harris have worsened the border crisis through inaction and indifference.
Under Biden, illegal border crossings have reached record highs. Fentanyl, smuggled across the border by cartels, is devastating American families. Sanctuary cities openly defy federal law, offering protection to criminals at the expense of public safety. Biden’s refusal to enforce immigration laws has emboldened traffickers, overwhelmed border patrol agents, and left communities nationwide to bear the consequences.
Harris, tasked with addressing the root causes of migration, has been a complete failure. Her absence from the border and inability to provide leadership highlight the administration’s lack of seriousness. In stark contrast, Homan and Noem offer competence, accountability, and a plan to restore order.
The America First Immigration Agenda
President Trump’s immigration plan provides a roadmap for solving the crisis. Completing the border wall, a powerful deterrent to illegal crossings, is central to this vision. Equally important is ending sanctuary city policies that undermine federal law, enforcing mass deportations of criminal aliens, and transitioning to a merit-based legal immigration system.
With her background as a state executive and ability to connect with everyday Americans, Noem ensures these policies will resonate at the grassroots level. Homan’s expertise makes him uniquely suited to execute this plan. With decades of experience, he understands the operational challenges of immigration enforcement and has a proven track record of delivering results. They bring the balance needed to turn Trump’s vision into reality.
Broader Implications of the Border Crisis
The stakes of this fight extend far beyond immigration. A porous border weakens national security, destabilizes local economies, and threatens the safety of American families. The rise in drug trafficking, particularly fentanyl, is a direct consequence of Biden’s failed policies. Every state is now a border state as cartels expand their networks and exploit the administration’s negligence.
Illegal immigration also greatly strains public resources, from schools to healthcare systems. Taxpayers are left footing the bill while the federal government shirks its responsibilities. The chaos at the border is not just a policy failure—it’s a moral failure, as traffickers and criminals exploit vulnerable populations.
Noem and Homan recognize these broader implications. Their leadership would secure the border and restore faith in America’s ability to enforce its laws and protect its citizens.
A Vision for the Future
Critics will continue to attack Noem and Homan, just as they have attacked President Trump. But leadership isn’t about avoiding criticism — it’s about delivering results. Noem and Homan repeatedly show they can handle the heat and stay focused on the mission.
The challenges ahead are significant. Reforming the immigration system, dismantling sanctuary cities, and addressing the humanitarian crisis at the border will require determination and grit. However, with Noem’s grassroots leadership and Homan’s enforcement expertise, America has the team to get the job done.
With leaders like Kristi Noem and Tom Homan, America can move forward with confidence and security, knowing its borders, citizens, and future are protected.
Rob Burgess is a national Republican strategist and Chief Executive Officer at Connector, a boutique government relations and political affairs firm with offices in Washington, D.C., and Dallas, Texas.