President-elect Donald Trump Donald John TrumpOmar fires back at Trump over rally remarks: 'This is my country' Pelosi: Trump hurrying to fill SCOTUS seat so he can repeal ObamaCare Trump mocks Biden appearance, mask use ahead of first debate MORE early Monday announced his intention to nominate retired Marine Gen. John Kelly to lead the Department of Homeland Security.

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“Gen. John Kelly’s decades of military service and deep commitment to fighting the threat of terrorism inside our borders makes him the ideal choice to serve as our Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security,” Trump said in a statement.

“He is the right person to spearhead the urgent mission of stopping illegal immigration and securing our borders, streamlining TSA and improving coordination between our intelligence and law enforcement agencies. With Gen. Kelly at the helm of DHS, the American people will have a leader committed to our safety as well as one who will work hand-in-hand with America's rank-and-file TSA, ICE and Border Patrol officers," Trump added.

Kelly oversaw U.S. military operations in Central and South America and the Caribbean as commander of U.S. Southern Command.

Trump’s transition team pointed to his experience in fighting drug and human trafficking and terrorism as well as his work to promote human rights and safeguarding the southern border.

“The American people voted in this election to stop terrorism, take back sovereignty at our borders, and put a stop to political correctness that for too long has dictated our approach to national security," Kelly said in a statement. "I will tackle those issues with a seriousness of purpose and a deep respect for our laws and Constitution."

Kelly headed Southern Command until retiring in January after more than 45 years in the Marine Corps. In that role, Kelly oversaw the prison at Guantanamo Bay and publicly butted heads with the Obama administration over its plan to close it.



He also served in combat in Iraq and spent a year as the head of U.S. forces in that country.

At DHS, Kelly will be at the forefront of Trump's efforts to build a wall along the border with Mexico and round up undocumented immigrants.

Some conservative immigration groups remain wary of Kelly. Hard-liners have praised him for his military experience and trust he will build a barrier along the southern border. But they worry he won't crack down hard enough on undocumented workers.

Kelly will become the third retired general to be tapped for the incoming administration.

Some Democrats have raised concerns over the number of generals the president-elect has selected for his administration. They have cited concerns about the amount of sway the military will have in the government.

In addition to Kelly, Trump has named two other generals to top positions: retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn for national security adviser and retired Gen. James Mattis for Defense secretary. Others are also being considered for additional positions in his administration.

report last week said Trump is considering as many as five generals for his Cabinet.

This report was last updated at 7:35 a.m..