President-elect Donald Trump is expected to select South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem to lead the Department of Homeland Security, naming a loyal ally to carry out his border security and deportation plans.

Ms. Noem, a former Republican House member, would oversee a sprawling federal department that includes U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Customs and Border Protection, the Secret Service and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

She would work with immigration hardliners on Mr. Trump’s team, such as newly named border czar Tom Homan and Stephen Miller, who will be deputy chief of staff.

The pick of Ms. Noem for the Cabinet post was first reported by CNN.

Mr. Trump has pledged to finish his border wall and hold Mexico responsible for unchecked migration across the southern border. He also vowed to carry out the largest deportation operation in U.S. history.

Ms. Noem is a key supporter of Mr. Trump and was considered a possible vice presidential pick. She recently weathered sharp criticism, however, for writing in her memoir about killing a 14-month-old hunting dog that was unruly and “untrainable.”

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• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.