MSI² names former ATF leader Peter Forcelli senior fellow

By AI, Created 5:08 AM UTC, May 19, 2026, /AGP/ – The Miami Strategic Intelligence Institute said May 19, 2026, that Peter J. Forcelli will join as senior fellow, bringing more than 30 years in federal and local law enforcement. MSI² says his experience will support research, training and analysis on transnational threats, national security and institutional resilience across the Western Hemisphere.

Why it matters: - MSI² is adding a veteran investigator with leadership experience in federal law enforcement, national security and complex criminal cases. - Peter J. Forcelli’s background gives the Miami-based think tank additional credibility as it expands work on transnational threats and security policy across the Americas. - MSI² said Forcelli’s experience will support efforts to strengthen institutional resilience and inform policy in the Western Hemisphere.

What happened: - The Miami Strategic Intelligence Institute named Peter J. Forcelli as a senior fellow on May 19, 2026. - Forcelli is a retired deputy assistant director of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. - MSI² said the appointment strengthens the institute’s capabilities in law enforcement, national security and complex criminal investigations. - Dr. Rafael Marrero, MSI² founder and CEO, said Forcelli embodies “the highest standards of service, integrity, and patriotism.”

The details: - Forcelli started with the New York City Police Department, served 15 years and rose to detective in the Bronx Homicide Task Force. - He later joined ATF as a special agent in New York City. - His federal career included roles as group supervisor in Phoenix, assistant country attaché in Eastern Canada and special agent in charge of the Miami Field Division. - In Miami, Forcelli led ATF’s response to the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport shooting, the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting and investigative efforts tied to the Pulse Nightclub attack. - Across his career, Forcelli conducted more than 1,200 arrests and executed more than 300 search warrants. - The announcement said Forcelli is known for “investigative excellence.” - Forcelli was a whistleblower in the Operation Fast and Furious scandal and faced retaliation before prevailing in his push for accountability. - His work also contributed to the exoneration of people wrongfully convicted. - Forcelli survived the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and later survived cancer tied to his rescue and recovery work at Ground Zero. - He remains active as an author, public speaker and advocate for law enforcement integrity and government accountability.

Between the lines: - MSI² is pairing policy research with a senior fellow whose career story centers on enforcement, oversight and institutional accountability. - The appointment also signals that MSI² wants subject-matter depth on both domestic law enforcement and cross-border security challenges. - Forcelli’s whistleblower history and wrongful-conviction work suggest MSI² values credibility on justice system reform as well as operational experience.

What’s next: - As senior fellow, Forcelli will contribute research and analysis on law enforcement, transnational threats and national security. - MSI² said he will also serve as an author, strategic consultant and contributor to training programs. - The institute says that work will support efforts to inform policy and strengthen institutional resilience across the Americas. - MSI² continues to position itself as a nonpartisan think tank focused on Latin America and the strategic challenge posed by the People’s Republic of China.