Full Breakdown
DHS Secretary Mullin Mulls Cutting CBP Staffing at Sanctuary City Airports
5/22/2026, 1:52:30 AM
Mullin’s Proposal to Cut CBP Staffing at Sanctuary Airports
In early April 2026, DHS secretary Markwayne Mullin proposed cutting Customs and Border Protection staff at terminals in cities that limit ICE cooperation. Discussed with airline executives at DHS headquarters, it could force cancellations or rerouting at Portland International Airport, JFK, Newark and Washington Dulles.
Sanctuary Jurisdictions and Timeline
Sanctuary jurisdictions—including Los Angeles, Chicago and Minneapolis—limit ICE access to local jails. The Trump administration has sued several of these cities and threatened to withhold federal grants. After a 2025 Border Patrol deployment ended following two protester deaths, Mullin and Tom Homan signaled a push for deportations. Mullin raised the airport-staffing idea on Fox News and met travel leaders, with implementation after July World Cup.
Data on Affected Airports
Portland International Airport’s flights account for about 4 percent of its traffic. Hubs such as JFK, LAX, Newark and Dulles already operate near gate and connection capacity limits, making large-scale rerouting difficult.
Official Statements & Responses
DHS declined comment, referring reporters to Mullin’s Fox News interview. An administration official said no decision has been made and DHS is reviewing leverage tools, such as limits on green-card processing. Tom Homan said ICE is moving to a “smarter, more targeted approach” focused on violent criminals, noting that “mass deportations can really begin.” Airline executives called the plan “devastating.”
Criticism & Opposition
John Rose said the plan “doesn’t really give the government a lot of leverage over those cities” and would mainly harm airlines and airports. Governor Gavin Newsom called it “a stupid idea” and warned of economic fallout. A DHS official expressed skepticism about proceeding, citing political backlash and a new immigration-policy fight with Democrats.
Verbatim Quotes
- “If they’re a sanctuary city and they’re receiving international flights, and we’re asking them to partner with us at the airport, but once they walk out of the airport, they’re not going to enforce immigration policy—maybe we need to have a really hard look at that,” — Markwayne Mullin, DHS Secretary (Fox News interview)
- “I’m going to have to be forced to make hard decisions.” — Markwayne Mullin
- “Talk about a stupid idea.” — Gavin Newsom, Governor of California (X post)
- “It doesn’t really give the government a lot of leverage over those cities,” — John Rose, risk analyst, Altour
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Officials say no final decision exists, while Mullin’s remarks imply intent. Airline leaders warn of “devastating” effects, but Rose argues leverage will be minimal. ICE arrests have fallen since January, contradicting claims of imminent mass deportations. No date beyond “post-World Cup” is given.
Implications and Next Steps
If enacted, the staffing cuts could disrupt passenger and cargo flows, raise travel costs, and pressure sanctuary jurisdictions economically. Legal challenges are given lawsuits over federal funding. The proposal’s fate will hinge on political calculations within the Trump administration and industry response as the July World Cup approaches.
