Supply chain and law enforcement partners gathered Friday in Long Beach to discuss best practices for combating organized crime rings, cybersecurity and other emerging threats, aimed at securing the nation’s busiest trade gateway.

The 2026 Los Angeles-Long Beach Cargo Security Summit, held at the Hyatt Regency Long Beach, drew representatives from the government, transportation and retail sectors, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Transportation Security Administration, U.S. Coast Guard, National Retail Federation, BNSF and Nike.

“Maintaining the safest, most secure port complex in the world is a top priority for our gateway because supply chain security is crucial to supply chain efficiency,” said Port of Long Beach CEO Dr. Noel Hacegaba. “As we build the Port of the Future™ to double our annual cargo volume to 20 million container units by 2050, safeguarding our port complex is critical to moving goods efficiently, strengthening the national economy.”

“This daylong summit provides attendees a unique opportunity to discuss best practices with people who prepare for and combat the multilayered threats that could harm our valuable supply chains and the American economy,” said Long Beach Harbor Commission President Steven Neal. “Today’s threats can happen anytime and anywhere: on the water, at our terminals and especially through our digital systems.”

Hacegaba, who also serves as President of the California Association of Port Authorities, spoke about working with his colleagues at ports from across the state to advance initiatives that bolster their collective competitiveness.

The summit also highlighted the significance of the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act (CORCA), a federal bill — co-sponsored by New York-based Rep. Andrew Garbarino, Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, and Rep. Vince Fong, whose 20th Congressional District includes California’s Central Valley — that would strengthen enforcement tools that help protect America’s goods movement network.

“The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act can strengthen coordination and information sharing across federal, state and local law enforcement so we can connect the dots and go after the organized networks behind cargo theft,” Garbarino said. “Criminals are already operating across jurisdictions and we need to make sure law enforcement can do the same. … Securing our supply chains requires all of us to work together and I hope this summit continues to foster that collaboration.”

“California’s economy helps keep America running,” Fong said. “From the San Pedro Bay port complex to the rail corridors and highways that crisscross the Central Valley, California moves more goods than any other state in the nation. Our farms, factories and retailers depend on a supply chain network that works safely, efficiently and without criminal interference.”

According to Verisk CargoNet, estimated cargo theft losses totaled $304.6 million in the second quarter of 2026, more than double from the same period a year earlier.

In recent years, the Port of Long Beach has been proactive in its efforts to enhance its security measures, including the opening of the Cyber Defense Operations Center in May. The center represents the Port’s three-year, $3.5 million investment in cybersecurity and brings cyber operations and Harbor Patrol under one roof.

The Port of Long Beach is also one of 18 commercial strategic seaports in the U.S. with a duty to support force deployment during national defense emergencies.

“Keeping America’s cargo safe and moving smoothly is our top priority,” Hacegaba said. “The Port is not just talking about security. We are taking action.”