U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), the highest-ranking Latino in Congress and one of America’s leading advocates for comprehensive immigration reform, issued the following statement applauding the appointment by the Biden-Harris Administration of his former Chief Counsel, Alice Lugo, as Assistant Secretary for Office of Legislative Affairs at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

“Alice Lugo is one of the brightest emerging Latina leaders. As a dedicated and tireless advocate for reforming our country’s broken immigration laws, Alice’s wealth of experience and deep knowledge of Congress will be an asset for the Biden-Harris Administration as they continue their efforts to advance a more humane immigration and border policy that reflects America’s values. While my staff and I are sad to see her leave, I know she will bring professionalism and energy in confronting some of the most pressing challenges facing DHS.”

Before joining DHS, Lugo served as Chief Counsel to Sen. Menendez since 2014. Prior to working in the U.S. Senate, Lugo served as Counsel to former U.S. House Representative Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.) and as supervising attorney at a Washington, D.C. non-profit, Ayuda, representing immigrant survivors of domestic violence.