TL;DR
Homeland Security Secretary Mullin announced plans to remove customs officers from international airports in Democratic-led sanctuary cities. The move faces widespread criticism from industry and political leaders, but the White House has not approved it. Details are still developing.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin has announced a plan to remove customs screening from international airports serving Democratic-led sanctuary cities, citing enforcement challenges and protests at detention facilities. The White House has not approved this plan, and it remains in the planning stage.
During a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearing, Mullin stated that DHS is actively drawing up plans to withdraw Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers from airports in certain sanctuary cities, including Newark. This move is purportedly in response to protests at the Delaney Hall detention facility and local officials’ resistance to federal immigration enforcement. Mullin indicated that if local authorities do not improve cooperation, the agency may eliminate customs processing at these airports.
Sources confirm that DHS officials are considering this measure as part of broader enforcement actions against jurisdictions classified as sanctuary cities. The Department of Justice has identified 18 such cities, including Newark, New York City, Los Angeles, and others, based on policies that impede federal immigration law enforcement. The plan has faced immediate backlash from industry groups, with the U.S. Travel Association warning of severe economic impacts, including an estimated $8 billion loss in international visitor spending if implemented.
Senior officials and industry representatives have criticized the move as disruptive and damaging to the U.S. reputation abroad. The White House has not endorsed the plan, and the details remain in development, with no official timeline for implementation.
Impact on International Travel and Economy
This plan, if enacted, could significantly disrupt international travel to the U.S., damage the nation’s reputation for reliability, and cause substantial economic losses. It also raises questions about federal-local cooperation and immigration enforcement policies amid political tensions.
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Background on DHS and Sanctuary Cities
In April 2025, President Trump issued an executive order requiring the DOJ to identify jurisdictions that obstruct federal immigration enforcement. The DOJ listed 18 sanctuary cities, including Newark, New York City, and Los Angeles, citing policies that hinder immigration law enforcement. Homeland Security Secretary Mullin’s announcement appears to be a response to ongoing protests and local resistance at detention facilities, notably Delaney Hall in New Jersey. The controversy underscores broader debates over immigration enforcement, local autonomy, and federal authority.
“The agency is currently drawing up plans for these sanctuary cities where local authorities aren’t allowing us to do our job and enforce federal laws.”
— a DHS spokesperson
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Unclear Details and Next Steps in DHS Plan
It is not yet clear when or if the DHS plans will be implemented, what specific airports will be affected, or how local officials and Congress will respond. The White House has not endorsed the plan, and legal or political challenges may arise.
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Next Developments and Official Decisions
Further details are expected as DHS finalizes its plans. Congressional hearings, industry responses, and potential legal challenges will influence whether the plan moves forward. Monitoring statements from DHS and the White House will clarify the administration’s stance and timeline.
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Key Questions
Could DHS actually remove customs officers from airports?
It is currently in the planning stage. No official decision or timeline has been announced, and the White House has not endorsed the move.
What impact would this have on international travelers?
If implemented, it could cause delays, confusion, and potential safety concerns at affected airports, disrupting international travel to the U.S.
Why is DHS considering this action?
DHS cites protests at detention facilities and resistance from local officials in sanctuary cities as reasons for potential enforcement measures, including removing customs screening.
Are there legal or political obstacles to this plan?
Yes, opposition from industry groups, some lawmakers, and the White House could prevent or delay implementation. Legal challenges may also arise.
Source: Google Trends
