Kristi Noem on Friday sailed through a confirmation hearing to be the next secretary of Homeland Security, with responses on major issues related to illegal immigration, international terrorism and cybersecurity that were unlikely to erode what appears to be a solid backing from Republicans.

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, Donald Trump's pick to lead the agency central to his vision of cracking down on illegal immigration, faced senators Friday at a confirmation hearing and promised to be a tough hand in carrying out the president's vision for the sprawling Department of Homeland Security.

The first week of confirmation hearings for President-elect Donald Trump's cabinet picks concluded Friday with Department of Homeland Security nominee Kristi Noem.