The Trump administration is drawing up plans that could stop immigration and customs processing for international travelers and cargo at major U.S. airports in cities identified as “sanctuary” jurisdictions, according to Reuters. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said the administration had discussed the idea with White House officials but had not made a final decision on whether to move forward. The proposal would target cities that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, including several major U.S. air gateways.
Reuters reported that airports in or near Boston, Denver, Philadelphia, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, Newark, Seattle, and San Francisco could face disruption if the administration proceeds. The possible action comes as the United States prepares for a large increase in international visitors tied to the FIFA World Cup. Travel and airline groups warned that removing customs and immigration processing from major airports would disrupt passenger travel, cargo movement, and local economies that depend on international arrivals.
Trump Administration Weighs Airport Processing Halt In Sanctuary Cities
Mullin made the comments during an interview on Fox News, saying the administration had not yet initiated the action. Reuters noted that Mullin framed the proposal around cities where local Democratic officials have declined to cooperate with the administration’s immigration enforcement efforts. The proposal would involve Customs and Border Protection operations at major U.S. airports. CBP officers process international arrivals, inspect travel documents, screen passengers, and clear cargo entering the United States.
If those services were withdrawn or reduced, international flights and cargo operations at affected airports could face major delays or suspension. The U.S. Justice Department published a list of sanctuary jurisdictions that included states, counties, and cities it said have policies that impede federal immigration enforcement. The list included California, Colorado, Illinois, New York, Oregon, and Washington. It also included cities such as Boston, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, New York City, Newark, Philadelphia, Seattle, and San Francisco.
Many of those cities have major international airports or are served by nearby airports that handle global passenger and cargo traffic. The administration’s potential action could affect international travel and commerce in Democratic-led states, especially as foreign visitors prepare to visit the United States for the FIFA World Cup.
Travel Industry Warns Of Airport And Cargo Disruptions
Travel and airline groups have warned that reducing or eliminating CBP officers at major airports would cause serious disruption for international passengers, airlines, cargo carriers, and local economies. The U.S. Travel Association told Reuters that its representatives had met with Mullin, who confirmed that the administration was considering withdrawing CBP officers from international airports in certain sanctuary cities.
The group also warned about the potential impact on communities that rely on international visitors. Reuters reported that more than 50 million international travelers arrived at the three major New York airports alone last year. Those airports serve one of the country’s largest travel markets and connect international visitors to hotels, restaurants, conventions, business districts, and tourist attractions.
Airlines for America, which represents major passenger and cargo airlines, also warned that reducing customs staffing at major airports would significantly disrupt carriers, travelers, and the flow of international cargo. As the United States prepares to host FIFA World Cup matches, millions of foreign tourists are expected to arrive for the tournament. Any disruption at major international airports could affect travel planning for visitors, airlines, tour operators, and destination businesses.
For now, the proposal remains under consideration. Reuters reported that the Trump administration has not made a final decision, and Mullin said officials were still preparing plans rather than implementing them.
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