South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem will head to Capitol Hill on Friday for her confirmation hearing to lead the Department of Homeland Security, where border security and plans to launch mass deportations are likely to be a focus.

Noem, nominated by President-elect Trump to lead the Department of Homeland Security, will appear before the Senate Homeland Security Committee at 9 a.m. ET.

The governor has largely stayed out of the spotlight, with more controversial nominees attracting attention from politicians and the media. But if confirmed, she would play a major role in the next administration, leading the agency not only on border security but also on cybersecurity, responding to natural disasters and counterterrorism.

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This broad role has been highlighted in recent days as wildfires ravage Los Angeles, with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) playing a key role in the response. FEMA's importance was also demonstrated late last year during hurricane season.

She will also be involved in the battle for cybersecurity, including against threats from communist China.

Dealing with natural disasters and cybersecurity are both areas where Noam has extensive experience. As governor, she banned TikTok on state-owned devices in 2022, citing the company's ties to China. Additionally, Dakota State University has one of the top cyber departments in the country, and cybersecurity is the fastest-growing industry in South Dakota, an expansion Noem encouraged.

Noem has extensive experience with FEMA as the state has dealt with flooding issues, including record flooding in the state in June.

Noem, a former congressman, was elected governor of South Dakota in 2018 and won re-election in 2022.

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But it's likely that border security, and Trump's pledge to launch a historic deportation campaign, will be the focus of any contentious exchange.

Trump, who nominated Noem, has said she is "very tough" on border security.

"She will work closely with 'Border Czar' Tom Homan to secure the border and keep our American homeland safe from our enemies. I have known Christie for many years and have worked with her on a variety of projects. She will be This is an important part of our mission to make America safe again," Trump said in a statement.

"Together with Donald Trump, we will secure our borders and restore safety to American communities so families can once again have a chance to pursue the American dream," Noem said.

Homan will lead deportations, while Noem will oversee DHS agencies, including Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Democrats may choose to ask Noem whether she opposes mass deportations, although some Democrats have said they are open to border security and legislation that would force ICE to detain some illegal immigrants — amid a historic border crisis during the Biden administration , a crisis that has only recently subsided and is a top issue in the 2024 election.

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Noem previously supported a moratorium on immigration from terrorism hotspots. As governor, she pledged in 2021 not to accept any more immigrants from the Biden administration and deployed the National Guard to the Texas border.

"My message is to illegal immigration Yes — call me when you’re an American,” she said on Facebook in 2021.

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Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., the new chairman of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, told McClatchy he believed Noem would be confirmed quickly and that she would likely have support from some Democrats.

"I think the bar is too low and any attempt to slow mass illegal immigration would be an improvement," Paul said. "I think they're going to be very aggressive, not just her but the entire (Trump) administration."