Rep. Fong, Homeland Security Chairman Garbarino Visit Ports, Meet with LA28 Organizing Committee for 2028 Olympic Games

LOS ANGELES, CA — Last week, Congressman Vince Fong (CA-20) and House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Andrew Garbarino (NY-02) visited the San Pedro Bay Port Complex and the headquarters of the Los Angeles Organizing Committee for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games (LA28), highlighting the critical importance of port security, supply chain resilience, and coordinated planning ahead of the 2028 Games.

“Whether it is the daily operations of our ports or as we prepare for the World Cup and the Olympics, we must remain clear-eyed: securing our ports, supply chains, and infrastructure from cyber, drone threats, and foreign adversaries is nonnegotiable. Ensuring America’s security never stops.” Said Rep. Fong.

“As America hosts a ‘mega-decade’ of international events on U.S. soil, coordination between all levels of law enforcement, government, and partners in the private sector is essential to ensure the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and Paralympics are safe and secure for Americans and international visitors alike,” Chairman Garbarino said. “After hearing from LA28 in a roundtable in Washington last year, I appreciated the chance to join Congressman Fong at the LA28 headquarters to discuss our shared commitments to emergency preparedness and public safety. This insight will continue to guide the Committee’s work to identify any gaps in communication, collaboration, or information sharing that can be addressed in the year ahead. As threats from foreign terrorist organizations, drone warfare, and cyber intrusions evolve, our security posture must be prepared to meet the moment.” 

During a tour of the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, Rep. Fong and Chairman Garbarino received briefings from port officials on cargo operations, cybersecurity, and emerging threats. The visit underscored the strategic significance of the San Pedro Bay Port Complex, the largest seaport complex in the Western Hemisphere, and its role in supporting both the U.S. economy and national security.

Port leaders highlighted ongoing challenges, including the need for sustained funding for Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel and infrastructure. Without adequate federal support, ports may be forced to shoulder additional burdens to maintain operations. 

“We thank Congressman Fong and Chairman Garbarino for their leadership and focus on port security and resilience,” said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka. “The Port of Los Angeles continues to lead with investments like our Cyber Security Operations Center and Cyber Resilience Center, strengthening threat detection, information sharing, and coordination across our maritime community.  Working alongside the U.S Department of Homeland Security and U.S Customs and Border Protection, we remain committed to protecting this critical gateway to the American economy.”

“We appreciate Congressman Fong and Chairman Garbarino recognizing the importance of America’s major seaports, like the Port of Long Beach, to the national and economic security of the United States,” said Port of Long Beach Chief Executive Officer Dr. Noel Hacegaba. “As one of only 18 designated Commercial Strategic Seaports, the Port of Long Beach is proud to serve a critical role in aiding in national security, in addition to driving jobs and the economy though cargo movement. We were grateful for the opportunity to provide a tour of our Joint Command and Control Center, as well as to brief the members of congress on our nation-leading work to address cybersecurity, drone incursions, and cargo theft to ensure our supply chains remain resilient.”

The group also received an overview of the Port of Los Angeles’ industry-leading cybersecurity efforts, including its Cyber Security Operations Center and Cyber Resilience Center, the first of its kind at a U.S. seaport, which enhances real-time threat detection and information sharing across port stakeholders.

Following the port visit, Rep. Fong and Chairman Garbarino met with LA28 organizers to discuss preparations for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, which are expected to bring more than 15 million spectators and thousands of athletes to Los Angeles.

“The scale of the 2028 Games will require unprecedented coordination across federal, state, and local law enforcement and security partners,” said Rep. Fong. “As a designated National Special Security Event, it is critical that we strengthen cybersecurity and threat detection capabilities well in advance. With millions of people expected to visit our state for the World Cup and LA28, this is a no-fail mission.”

The lawmakers discussed federal support provided through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act for LA28, which includes $1 billion in supplemental funding for homeland security planning and operations, as well as $500 million to enhance capabilities to detect and mitigate threats from unmanned aircraft systems.

The discussion also focused on the importance of robust intelligence sharing among federal, state, local, tribal, and private sector partners. As the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Intelligence and Analysis works to improve coordination through fusion centers, lawmakers reiterated the need to strengthen field-level integration to support major events like LA28.

Cybersecurity was also a key topic, as recent Olympic Games have faced increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. LA28 officials outlined efforts to collaborate with hundreds of stakeholders through its Cybersecurity Council and to build on lessons learned from prior international events.