Trump administration drafts plan to halt customs processing at sanctuary city airports amid immigration clash
By David Shepardson
WASHINGTON, May 26 (Reuters) — Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said the Trump administration is actively developing plans to stop processing international travelers and cargo at major U.S. airports located in so-called sanctuary cities — jurisdictions that have refused to fully cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.
If implemented, the directive could effectively shutter international air travel and commerce at some of the nation’s busiest airports, many in Democratic-led states, just as millions of foreign visitors are expected to arrive for next month’s FIFA World Cup.
In an interview with Fox News Channel’s Sean Hannity that aired Tuesday, Mullin said he had briefed White House officials on the proposal but emphasized that no final decision had been made.
“We are currently — which we’re not initiating yet — but we’re currently drawing up plans,” Mullin said.
“We shouldn’t be processing international flights into their cities,” he added, referring to sanctuary jurisdictions where, he claimed, “local radical left Democrats aren’t allowing us to do our job and enforce federal laws.”
The threat marks a significant escalation in the administration’s battle with local governments over immigration policy. Last week, Reuters and other outlets reported that Mullin had privately told U.S. travel industry executives that his department could pull Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers from international terminals in non-compliant cities.
The Justice Department recently published a list of sanctuary cities and states, including Boston, Denver, Philadelphia, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, Newark, Seattle and San Francisco — all home to major international airports.
Mullin first floated the idea publicly in April amid a dispute over departmental funding, but Tuesday’s remarks indicated it is under active consideration.
Democrats have pushed back, arguing that reforms are needed to address abuses by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and CBP, including the fatal shooting of two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis in January.
The U.S. Travel Association, which represents airlines, hotels, car rental companies and other travel-related businesses, told Reuters on Friday that its representatives met with Mullin and confirmed the administration’s consideration of the plan.
“Secretary Mullin confirmed his previous comments that the administration is considering a withdrawal of CBP officers from international airports in certain sanctuary cities,” the association said in a statement, warning of “devastating consequences” for the travel industry and communities that rely on international visitors.
Data underscores the potential economic blow: more than 50 million international travelers arrived at the three major New York airports alone last year. Airlines for America, a trade group representing major passenger and cargo carriers, said last week that reducing customs staffing at key hubs would severely disrupt operations for airlines, travelers and the flow of international cargo.
The standoff highlights a growing rift between federal immigration enforcement and local governments, with implications for travel, trade and the upcoming World Cup. Critics argue the move would harm U.S. competitiveness and deter tourism, while supporters say it is necessary to compel cooperation with federal law.
(Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)