US-Italy Customs Meeting: What It Means for Immigrants
CBP Commissioner Rodney S. Scott and Italy's top customs official met in Washington on September 29, 2026, agreeing to share more data and coordinate enforcement on synthetic drugs and e-commerce shipments. For immigrants who travel between the U.S. and Italy or receive goods from abroad, the deal means more coordinated screening at ports of entry.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Rodney S. Scott met with Italy's Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM) Director Roberto Alesse in Washington, D.C., on September 29, 2026. The two agencies agreed to deepen cooperation on supply chain security, synthetic drug trafficking, and cross-border trade enforcement.
What the two agencies agreed to do
CBP and ADM signed off on stronger information sharing and joint risk analysis. A key focus was synthetic drugs — a category that includes fentanyl and similar substances that U.S. authorities have flagged as a top border threat. The agencies also discussed e-commerce: both sides want better transparency from online sellers and platforms that ship goods across borders. That means tighter checks on packages entering the U.S. from Italy and vice versa.
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For immigrants who travel between the U.S. and Italy, or who receive goods from Italy, this agreement signals more coordinated screening at ports of entry. CBP already has broad authority to inspect travelers and shipments. Closer coordination with a foreign customs agency can mean more data sharing about individuals and cargo — something immigration lawyers say travelers should be aware of.
What to do
- If you travel between the U.S. and Italy, carry all your immigration documents — green card, visa, or travel permit — and keep them accessible at the port of entry.
- If you are in removal proceedings or have a pending immigration court hearing, consult an immigration lawyer before any international travel. Leaving the U.S. can affect your case.
- If you receive frequent international shipments, be aware that CBP's risk-based screening may flag packages for inspection. This is routine, but delays are possible.
- Follow CBP's official website (cbp.gov) for updates on enforcement priorities that may affect travelers from Italy or other partner countries.
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Increased data-sharing agreements between CBP and foreign customs agencies can affect travelers in ways that aren't immediately obvious — your entry history, flagged shipments, or prior secondary inspections may now be visible to partner agencies. If you have a removal order, a pending green card application, or any prior immigration violation, do not travel internationally without first reviewing your situation with an immigration attorney. A single re-entry attempt with unresolved status issues can result in expedited removal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this US-Italy customs agreement affect my green card or visa status?
Not directly. The agreement focuses on supply chain security and drug trafficking, not individual immigration status. But increased data sharing between CBP and Italian customs could affect how you are screened when entering or leaving the U.S.
Can CBP share my personal data with Italian authorities under this agreement?
CBP already has authority to share certain traveler and cargo data with partner agencies under existing international frameworks. This agreement deepens that cooperation. If you have concerns about your data, an immigration attorney can advise you based on your specific situation.
I am in removal proceedings. Can I still travel to Italy?
Generally, leaving the U.S. while in removal proceedings is very risky and can be treated as abandoning your case. Lawyers strongly advise against international travel until your case is resolved. Talk to an immigration attorney before making any travel plans.
Will this agreement make it harder to bring goods from Italy into the US?
The agreement calls for tighter risk-based screening of e-commerce shipments. Most routine packages will not be affected, but CBP may inspect more shipments flagged by joint risk analysis. Delays are possible for some international orders.