Full Breakdown
Trump Administration Mulls Halting Customs Processing at Sanctuary City Airports Ahead of World Cup
5/30/2026, 1:32:33 AM
Proposed Policy at Sanctuary City Airports
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin told Fox News on May 26 2026 that DHS is “drawing up plans” to cease Customs and Border Protection processing of international passengers and cargo at airports the Justice Department has labeled sanctuary cities. No decision has been announced.
Sanctuary City List and Timeline
The Justice Department’s 2025 list of sanctuary jurisdictions includes New York City, Newark, Boston, Denver, Philadelphia, Chicago, Los Angeles, Seattle and San Francisco. Mullin first raised the idea of restricting customs at these airports during an April 2025 funding dispute and reiterated it on May 26 2026, ahead of June 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Passenger Volume and Potential Disruption
In 2025 over 50 million international travelers passed through New York’s three major airports, with roughly 15 million using Newark. Airlines for America warns that cutting CBP staff would “significantly disrupt operations for carriers, travelers and the flow of international cargo,” threatening tourism revenue during the World Cup.
Official Statements & Responses
Mullin said sanctuary cities “are not allowing us to do our job and enforce federal laws,” and that processing flights into those cities “doesn’t make sense.” U.S. Travel Association warned such a move “would have devastating consequences for travel industry and communities dependent on international visitation.” Airlines for America called the impact “devastating” for airlines and tourism.
Criticism & Opposition
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy told a House Budget Committee hearing that “we have people from around the world… we shouldn’t shut down air travel in a state that doesn’t agree with our politics.” U.S. Travel Association and Airlines for America have urged the administration to abandon the proposal, citing economic fallout.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Activists claim a hunger strike at Newark’s Delaney Hall detention center reflects inhumane conditions, while DHS officials assert “there is NO hunger strike” and that detainees receive three meals, clean water, bedding and legal-counsel access. No verification of either claim has been presented.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We shouldn't be processing international flights into their cities,” — Markwayne Mullin, DHS Secretary
- “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, Fox News interview
- “We have people from around the world and around the country that need to be able to fly into all different kinds of places. We shouldn't shut down air travel in a state that doesn't agree with our politics,” — Sean Duffy, Transportation Secretary
- “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 statement
What’s Next
The DHS has not set an implementation date. Congressional hearings are slated for weeks, and travel groups say they will prepare contingency plans if the policy is enacted.
