Full Breakdown
DHS Secretary Mullin Proposes Pulling CBP Agents from Sanctuary City Airports
6/2/2026, 8:49:44 PM
Proposed Withdrawal of CBP Agents from Sanctuary City Airports
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin announced a temporary plan to remove Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents from passenger-screening duties at major international airports located in cities that have adopted sanctuary policies. The agents would be reassigned to assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, despite lacking specific enforcement training. Mullin framed the proposal as a response to protests that he said were blocking CBP staff at a migrant detention center in Delaney, New Jersey, and as a punitive measure against local officials he described as “radical left Democrats.”
Background & Context
Sanctuary cities limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities, a stance that has drawn criticism from the Biden administration and Republican officials. CBP agents normally conduct customs inspections, immigration checks, and security screening of passengers on international flights. Airports in sanctuary jurisdictions—such as Newark Liberty International Airport—handle a high volume of international traffic and have been operating near capacity for several years.
Key Figures & Groups
- Markwayne Mullin – Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, proposer of the withdrawal plan.
- Juliette Kayyem – Former DHS assistant secretary for intergovernmental affairs, critic of the plan.
- Airlines for America – Trade association representing U.S. airlines, issued an industry-wide warning.
- Aaron Reichlin-Melnick – Senior fellow at the American Immigration Council, highlighted operational risks.
- Sean Duffy – Secretary of Transportation, publicly opposed the proposal.
- Greg Bovino – Former Border Patrol commander-at-large, mocked the plan on social media.
Potential Impact on Air Travel and Commerce
The proposal targets airports that already operate at full capacity. Removing CBP staff could disrupt passenger screening, delay customs clearance, and impede the flow of international cargo. Industry analysts warn that such disruptions could lead to flight cancellations, stranded travelers, and a cascading effect on airline schedules nationwide. The tourism sector could also suffer from reduced confidence in U.S. entry points.
Official Statements & Responses
Mullin argued that sanctuary cities “are not allowing us to do our jobs and enforce federal laws,” and therefore “we shouldn’t be processing international flights into their cities.” Kayyem warned that pulling CBP agents would be “a catastrophe” given the capacity constraints of major airports. Airlines for America described the move as “devastating” for airlines, tourism, and cargo operations. Reichlin-Melnick warned of “flight cancellations” and a “snarl” of air traffic that would strand both American and foreign travelers. Duffy told a congressional hearing that “we shouldn’t shut down air travel in a state that doesn’t agree with our politics.” Bovino ridiculed the plan, suggesting that focusing on a “leaky faucet” would not address the broader immigration challenge.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics emphasize the lack of training for ICE support, the potential for nationwide travel chaos, and the disproportionate impact on passengers rather than on immigration enforcement. Industry groups and former officials have called the proposal “shockingly naive” and “dumb,” arguing that it would harm the economy and undermine security protocols.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
No detailed operational plan or quantitative impact assessment has been released. Sources do not specify how many agents would be withdrawn, which airports would be affected, or how ICE would absorb the reassigned personnel. The absence of training provisions for ICE duties also remains unaddressed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Our major airports servicing international flights in the United States are at max capacity,” — Juliette Kayyem, former DHS official
- “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, trade group
- “ open image in gallery Mullin has proposed temporarily shifting CBP workers towards ‘helping our ICE agents,’ despite their lacking the necessary training ( Getty ) Even a fellow member of the Trump administration, Transport Secretary Sean Duffy, has stated his opposition, telling a congressional hearing last week: “We shouldn’t shut down air travel in a state that doesn’t agree with our politics.” — Sean Duffy, Secretary of Transportation
- “Then, why are we processing international flights into the airport there?” — Markwayne Mullin, DHS Secretary
- “Mullin’s a great guy, great plumber, no doubt about that; he could probably fix a leaky faucet,” — Greg Bovino, former Border Patrol commander-at-large
What’s Next
Mullin indicated that the administration is “drawing up plans” to implement the withdrawal, with New Jersey expected to be the first test case. Congressional oversight hearings and potential legal challenges are anticipated as stakeholders assess the feasibility and legality of the proposal.
