DHS Weighs Plan to Block International Flights Into Sanctuary Cities by Halting Customs Screening
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin confirmed that the Department of Homeland Security is drawing up plans to withdraw U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers from airports located in sanctuary cities. The proposed move would effectively block all incoming international flights to those locations, as airports cannot process international arrivals or cargo without federal customs screening.
Secretary Mullin framed the potential policy as a direct consequence for local jurisdictions that refuse to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. He questioned why the federal government should continue to process immigration and international travel facilities for cities where local officials actively block federal law enforcement from doing their jobs.
The proposal has sparked significant pushback from the aviation and tourism sectors, with organizations like the U.S. Travel Association warning that pulling CBP personnel would cause devastating operational disruptions and economic damage to the affected communities.
