A frightening encounter on a train in Brussels left two Alabama women shaken after a man allegedly threatened them with a knife and questioned their views on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The incident, which occurred February 9, 2026, highlights concerns about safety for American tourists traveling abroad.
According to early reports, the man initiated a conversation with the tourists before his behavior changed when he learned they were from the United States. “He wanted to know our opinion on ICE,” one of the women, Amanda, explained. “But we didn’t answer his question.”
The women also suspected the individual was carrying a firearm. “He said he knew how to shoot,” Amanda added.
Distressed by the encounter, the women contacted the U.S. Embassy for assistance, but initially received a discouraging response. “But we were told bluntly, ‘It’s not possible, it’s the weekend,’” Amanda said.
However, the situation quickly escalated, prompting intervention from the U.S. Ambassador. According to a statement from the U.S. Embassy in Belgium, “Our consular personnel provided advice and information on available resources to the concerned U.S. Citizen travelers. The Ambassador personally engaged in this matter by contacting Belgian authorities, including the Minister of the Interior, the Minister of Justice, the Public Prosecutor and the Chief of Police of Brussels-Midi.”
The Ambassador “expressed deep concern both about the incident and the treatment the U.S. Citizen travelers reported receiving.” He also urged Belgian authorities “to pursue the investigation into the events and to prosecute the individual to the fullest extent of the law.”
The embassy stated it has since revised its internal procedures to ensure the Ambassador is immediately informed of similar situations.
Que pensent les Américains du comportement des policiers de l’ICE ?
Suspect Detained
Brussels prosecutors confirmed they received a report regarding a potentially armed individual on a train at Brussels-Midi station. “The train was immediately evacuated and the suspect was quickly arrested,” the prosecutor’s office said.
The suspect was questioned by police and found to be under the influence of alcohol. “The scene was thoroughly searched, but no weapon was found, either on the man himself or on the train. He was then released,” the prosecutor’s office concluded.
