The U.S. Senate confirmed Kristi Noem as secretary of Homeland Security, mobilizing the sprawling agency to carry out President Donald Trump¡¯s expansive immigration crackdown.

Noem¡¯s nomination was approved 59-34 on an unusual Saturday session of the Senate. The vote clears the way for her to lead a 260,000-person department that will have a key role in Trump¡¯s border security and immigration enforcement agenda. Seven Democrats voted for the Republican nominee.

The South Dakota governor and former congresswoman is the second key member of Trump¡¯s national security team to win confirmation. Pete Hegseth was confirmed as defense secretary on Friday with Vice President JD Vance casting the tie-breaking vote.