Senior ICE, DOJ, White House Officials Join America First Policy Institute

AFPI announces hiring of Todd Lyons, Chad Mizelle, and Sonny Joy Nelson

Washington, DC – The America First Policy Institute (AFPI) today announced that three distinguished Trump administration officials have joined the organization, further strengthening AFPI’s leadership bench in immigration policy, law and justice, and strategic communications:

• Todd Lyons, who recently stepped down as Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), is now serving AFPI as senior fellow for Homeland Security and Immigration Policy.

• Chad Mizelle has joined AFPI as senior fellow for Law and Justice. Most recently chief of staff and acting associate attorney general at the U.S. Department of Justice, Mizelle’s prior roles also include former acting general counsel and former chief of staff at the U.S.Department of Homeland Security, as well as former associate counsel to President Trump.

• Sonny Joy Nelson, who previously held the position of special assistant to the President and director of media affairs at the White House, has joined the communications team as communications advisor.

"We are thrilled to welcome Todd Lyons, Chad Mizelle, and Sonny Joy Nelson to AFPI. Each has served their country and the Trump administration with distinction, bringing exceptional experience, integrity, and a deep commitment to advancing policies that put the American people first,” said AFPI Executive Director Martin Gillespie. “Todd's leadership over nearly two decades of service with ICE, Chad’s experience at DOJ, DHS, and the White House, and Sonny's mastery of effective communications strategy will help ensure that our organization remains at the forefront of developing and driving America First policy solutions. We are grateful to have them on board as we continue to chart a course for renewed American prosperity."

The hiring of Lyons, Mizelle, and Nelson reflects AFPI’s ongoing commitment to bring together experienced leaders to advance policies that put the American people first.