Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin has proposed reducing customs screening at airports in sanctuary cities as a way to pressure them into cooperating with federal immigration enforcement. The move, if implemented, would affect major cities like New York, New Orleans, and Philadelphia, potentially disrupting travel and commerce.
Mullin’s Proposal
Mullin suggested the idea in an interview with Fox News, stating that sanctuary cities refusing to enforce immigration laws should not receive full customs services. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) currently screens all travelers at international airports, including U.S. citizens. Removing these personnel could lead to longer wait times and force travelers to use alternative airports.
Sanctuary Cities’ Response
As of reporting, none of the mayors or officials from major sanctuary cities—including New York, Seattle, Los Angeles, Denver, Chicago, Newark, Philadelphia, and New Orleans—had publicly responded to Mullin’s proposal. Some cities, like Philadelphia, have previously clashed with federal immigration agencies, with officials threatening to prosecute ICE agents.
Policy and Legal Context
The Trump administration has long targeted sanctuary cities, which limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Mullin’s proposal would be the latest effort to apply pressure, following previous attempts to withhold grants or impose other penalties. Critics argue such measures could harm local economies and travel infrastructure, while supporters see them as necessary to enforce federal law.
Potential Impact
If implemented, the policy could disrupt international travel to affected cities, potentially diverting business and tourism to other airports. It may also escalate tensions between local and federal authorities over immigration enforcement priorities.