Throughout the country, Noem’s focus on the border has endeared her to the Republican grass roots. The Shelby County GOP, in Tennessee, honored Noem at its annual Lincoln Day dinner over the summer, said the local party’s chairman, Cary Vaughn, because, “She’s a great zealot and advocate for fighting for border control.”

President-elect Donald Trump has picked Kristi Noem to lead the Department of Homeland Security. Here's what to know about her and the department.

It is currently unclear if a threat was placed at the governor's mansion in Pierre, where Kristi Noem, Homeland Security nominee, sometimes resides.