Scott Mechkowski, former senior ICE field official, joins NICE advisory board

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Immigration Center for Enforcement (NICE) which advocates for the proper enforcement of immigration laws in the interior of the United States—a practice that is critical to national security, public safety, and the rule of law—is pleased to announce the addition of former New York Field Office Deputy Director Scott Mechkowski to its advisory board.

Mechkowski brings over 22 years of experience with ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). Much of that time was spent in New York City, where he saw first hand the devastating consequences of “sanctuary” city policies that result in criminal illegal immigrants being released back into communities.

Mechkowski was a leading force behind multiple operations to target gang members, terrorists and drug dealers. Operations included “Operation Matador,” which targeted the bloodthirsty MS-13 in Long Island, and “Operation All-In” that went after smugglers and human rights violators.

He also has over 30 years of experience in the U.S. Army, including deployments to Kosovo and Iraq.

“I am incredibly honored and energized to step into my new role as an advisor at NICE. This opportunity marks not just a personal milestone, but a profound chance to contribute to one of our nation’s most critical missions,” said Mechkowski.

“NICE stands at the forefront of ensuring the Congressionally mandated enforcement of immigration laws within the U.S. interior. Its work is a cornerstone of our national security strategy and a key driver of public safety across the country. I’m eager to bring my experience and passion to this mission—and to support the outstanding professionals who embody it with dedication and integrity every day,” he said.

“Special thanks as well to RJ Hauman and Mike Howell for their confidence in me and for welcoming me into this impactful team,” he said. “Together, we will drive results, reinforce accountability, and help advance the mission of NICE with purpose and precision.”

“The critical role that ICE plays in enforcing our congressionally-mandated immigration laws and keeping American communities safe is under fire from the radical left and its allies in the legacy media. ICE agents need our support now more than ever,” said RJ Hauman, president of NICE.

“As the Trump administration, and its allies in Congress, look to support ICE and its mission, NICE is here to offer support in how to give the agency the tools to track, detain and deport the millions of illegal immigrants allowed into the U.S. during prior administrations,” he said.

“With that mission in mind, I am delighted to welcome Scott to our board. His decades of experience in one of the toughest parts of the country for ICE agents to do their jobs will be invaluable as we seek to inform lawmakers and officials throughout the country on how to support ICE and push back against the radical left,” he said.

Separately, John Fabbricatore, who was previously on NICE’s advisory board, will soon be a senior advisor at the Department of Health and Human Service (HHS)’s Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR).

The office plays a crucial role in the handling the influx of unaccompanied alien minors that have entered the U.S., including via the southern border. Fabbricatore, whose decades of experience includes working with multiple agencies to disrupt Transnational Criminal Organizations, previously served as Field Office Director for the states of Colorado and Wyoming.

“John has spent decades protecting American communities, and targeting drug smugglers and human traffickers. John’s wealth of experience will serve HHS well as it seeks to handle the fallout of the child smuggling crisis that exploded under the Biden administration,” said Hauman.

“I want to extend my deepest gratitude to John Fabbricatore for his exemplary leadership and tireless commitment to NICE,” said Mechkowski. “I wish him continued success as he takes on his new role as Senior Advisor at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.”