Story perspectives

Homeland Security Threatens Airport Customs Shutdown, Travel Groups Warn

5/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin warned the department could halt customs and immigration processing at major sanctuary-city airports.
Travel industry groups and Airlines for America warned that the proposed customs cuts and staff reductions would severely disrupt U.S. international flights, tourism and cargo flows.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said he was not familiar with Mullin’s remarks and opposed shutting down air travel in dissenting states.

History

Historical Context

After the September 11, 2001 attacks, Congress created the Transportation Security Administration and the FAA established a Flight Restricted Zone at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, enforcing the 1966 perimeter rule for short-haul flights. Security upgrades, including mandatory TSA screening and stricter customs checks, turned the airport into a flashpoint for federal-state authority debates.

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Story summary

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin warned the department could halt customs and immigration processing at major sanctuary-city airports.
Travel industry groups and Airlines for America warned that the proposed customs cuts and staff reductions would severely disrupt U.S. international flights, tourism and cargo flows.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said he was not familiar with Mullin’s remarks and opposed shutting down air travel in dissenting states.

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