Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin has privately warned that authorities could stop processing international travelers and cargo at major U.S. airports in so-called “sanctuary cities” that have declined to cooperate with the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown, according to sources who spoke to Reuters.
Private Warning to Travel Executives
Mullin, who publicly made a similar threat in April during a funding dispute over the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), privately told travel executives last week that the department could opt to cease customs and immigration processing for international travelers at airports in cities including Denver, Philadelphia, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, Newark, Seattle, and San Francisco. The Atlantic first reported Mullin’s comments to travel executives, citing sources who indicated the move would likely occur after the conclusion of the FIFA World Cup in the United States in July.
Reactions and Concerns
DHS declined to comment on the matter. Airlines for America, which represents major passenger and cargo airlines, warned that reducing customs 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.” U.S. Travel, which represents major airlines, hotel chains, rental car firms, and others, urged governments at all levels to adopt policies that promote the free and efficient flow of legitimate travelers for both domestic and international inbound travel.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated at a U.S. House hearing on Thursday that he was not familiar with Mullin’s remarks and did not express support. “We shouldn’t shut down air travel in a state that doesn’t agree with our politics,” Duffy said. Notably, more than 50 million international travelers arrived at the three major New York airports alone last year.
