Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin announced Monday that international flight processing at Newark Liberty International Airport will continue, despite ongoing protests near a nearby Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility. Mullin stated that cooperation with state and local law enforcement has mitigated the need to withdraw U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers from the airport to assist with security at the Delaney Hall ICE facility in Newark, New Jersey.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
Mullin emphasized that as long as local and state law enforcement maintain cooperation, there will be no need to pull CBP personnel from Newark Airport. However, he reiterated that he has a plan in place to do so if necessary. The protests at Delaney Hall have been ongoing, with demonstrators voicing concerns over conditions inside the facility.
Deeper Dive & Context
Budget and Immigration Enforcement
Mullin is also set to face Senate scrutiny over the DHS budget and immigration enforcement policies. The Senate is considering legislation to fund immigration enforcement agencies through the end of President Donald Trump’s term, bypassing Democratic demands for restraints. However, the effort has stalled due to Republican opposition to a $1.776 billion settlement fund for Trump allies who claim political persecution.
Potential Impact on Travel
Major airline, travel, and business groups have warned that halting international flight processing at Newark or other major airports could lead to chaos, strand travelers, and disrupt cargo shipments. Mullin has suggested similar actions could be taken at airports in other sanctuary cities, including Boston, Denver, Philadelphia, Chicago, Los Angeles, Seattle, and San Francisco. Shutting down all international flights in these cities could result in a $70 billion economic hit.
State and Local Response
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill, a Democrat, ordered state police to take control of security outside Delaney Hall to quell escalating tensions and violence between protesters and federal agents. Mullin praised the cooperation between federal, state, and local authorities, noting that the mayor and police chief of Newark have been cordial in their partnership.