The Trump administration is contemplating a proposal to halt customs and immigration processing at airports in sanctuary cities, which could significantly impact international travel.
The Trump administration is currently evaluating a proposal that would suspend customs and immigration processing for international travelers and cargo at major airports located in sanctuary cities. This information was revealed by U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin during an interview on Fox News with Sean Hannity.
Mullin indicated that discussions are ongoing within the administration, though he emphasized that no final decision has been reached. “We are currently, which we’re not initiating yet, but we’re currently drawing up plans,” he stated. He further asserted that cities that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement should not continue to receive international flights if local leaders “aren’t allowing us to do our job and enforce federal laws.”
The proposal specifically targets sanctuary jurisdictions, a term frequently used by Republicans to describe cities and states that restrict cooperation with federal immigration authorities. A recent list released by the Justice Department identified several major metropolitan areas with significant international airports, including Boston, Denver, Philadelphia, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, Newark, Seattle, and San Francisco.
If implemented, this move could disrupt international air travel and cargo operations at some of the busiest airports in the country. The timing of the proposal has raised concerns within the travel industry, especially as the United States prepares to welcome millions of visitors for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup events.
Reports from Reuters and other outlets indicated that Mullin had privately discussed the potential changes with travel industry executives. The U.S. Travel Association later confirmed these discussions, stating that administration officials are considering the withdrawal of Customs and Border Protection officers from certain airports in sanctuary cities.
The association warned that such a decision could have severe repercussions for airlines, tourism businesses, and local economies that heavily depend on international visitors. In fact, over 50 million international travelers passed through the three major New York-area airports last year alone.
Airlines for America, which represents major passenger and cargo carriers, also expressed concerns. They cautioned that reducing customs staffing at major airports would create significant operational challenges for airlines, travelers, and international shipping networks.
Meanwhile, Democrats and immigrant rights advocates continue to push for reforms in federal immigration enforcement practices. They argue that there is a need for stronger oversight of agencies such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
This ongoing discussion highlights the tension between federal immigration policies and local governance, particularly in areas that have adopted sanctuary city policies. As the situation develops, the potential implications for international travel and local economies remain a critical concern.
According to Reuters, the administration’s considerations could lead to significant changes in how international travel is managed in the United States.