Full Breakdown
DHS Secretary Mullin Threatens to Pull CBP Staffing from Sanctuary City Airports
5/24/2026, 2:49:02 AM
Threat to Sanctuary City Airports
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin warned that DHS could stop Customs and Border Protection (CBP) processing for international passengers and cargo at major U.S. airports in jurisdictions that limit cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). In a private May 13 meeting with airline and travel executives, Mullin listed Portland International, JFK and Newark (New York), Washington Dulles, Denver, Philadelphia, Chicago O’Hare, Los Angeles, Seattle-Tacoma and San Francisco as possible targets. The idea follows an April 6 Fox News interview and echoes President Trump’s earlier threat to withhold funding from sanctuary cities, a move the courts struck down in 2017. A May 21 Reuters report said implementation could occur after the July 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Economic and Operational Impact
More than 50 million international travelers arrived at the three New York City airports in 2025. Removing CBP staff would disrupt direct arrivals, connecting flights, and the flow of international cargo, threatening tourism revenue and freight logistics nationwide.
Official and Industry Reactions
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy told a House hearing that shutting down air travel for political reasons would be inappropriate. Airlines for America warned that reducing CBP staffing would devastate airlines and tourism. The U.S. Travel Association called for policies that promote free and efficient travel. Duffy said he was unfamiliar with Mullin’s remarks. DHS has not commented, leaving the timeline and legal feasibility uncertain.
Criticism and Opposition
California Governor Gavin Newsom called the idea “a stupid idea” and warned of severe economic fallout. Industry groups argue the plan would cripple airline operations, cargo shipments and tourism revenue across the country.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources disagree on which airports are targeted; the administration’s internal support is unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We shouldn’t shut down air travel in a state that doesn’t agree with our politics.” — Sean Duffy, Secretary of Transportation
- “Reducing CBP staffing at major airports would have a devastating effect on the airline and tourism industries, causing a significant operational disruption to carriers, travelers and the flow of international cargo.” — Airlines for America, spokesperson
- “U.S. Travel believes such a move would have devastating consequences for the travel industry and communities that depend on international visitation,” — U.S. Travel Association, statement
- “If they’re a sanctuary city, should they really be processing customs into – into their city?” — Markwayne Mullin, Fox News interview
- “Talk about a stupid idea.” — Gavin Newsom, X post
Outlook
The proposal is expected to be revisited after the July 2026 World Cup. Congressional oversight hearings and potential legal challenges are likely, given past court rulings on sanctuary-city funding restrictions.
