U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin announced on May 26 that the agency is drafting plans to halt customs and immigration processing at airports in sanctuary cities. These cities have declined to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement efforts. Mullin discussed the potential move with the White House but emphasized that no final decision has been made.
The proposal would affect major airports in cities like Boston, Denver, Philadelphia, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, Newark, Seattle, and San Francisco. Mullin cited clashes at a facility in Newark, where local law enforcement did not respond to DHS requests for assistance, as a justification for the plan. He argued that if sanctuary cities refuse to allow federal immigration enforcement, they should not benefit from international flight processing.
The U.S. Travel Association, representing airlines, hotels, and other travel-related businesses, has expressed concerns about the potential economic impact. The plan could disrupt international travel and commerce, particularly ahead of major events like the FIFA World Cup. Democrats have criticized the proposal, calling for reforms to address abuses by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
The DHS has previously explored withholding federal funding from sanctuary cities, and the Justice Department has sued several municipalities over their immigration policies.