Trump Administration Weighs Halting International Flights at Sanctuary City Airports

U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said the Trump administration is considering plans to suspend customs and immigration processing for international travelers and cargo flights arriving at airports located in so-called “sanctuary cities.” The proposal could severely impact international air travel, tourism, and trade across several major U.S. cities ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Speaking during an interview on Fox News with Sean Hannity, Mullin confirmed discussions are underway inside the White House but stressed that no final decision has been made. According to Mullin, the administration believes some Democratic-led cities are failing to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement efforts.

“We are currently drawing up plans,” Mullin said, adding that cities refusing to support federal immigration policies should not continue receiving full international flight processing services.

Reuters previously reported that Mullin privately informed travel industry executives that the Department of Homeland Security could reduce or eliminate Customs and Border Protection processing at airports in sanctuary jurisdictions. The Justice Department recently released a list of sanctuary cities and states, including major transportation hubs such as New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Seattle, Boston, Denver, Newark, and Philadelphia.

Industry groups are warning that such actions could create massive disruptions for airlines, cargo operations, and tourism-dependent economies. The U.S. Travel Association said it recently met with Mullin and confirmed the administration is actively considering the policy. The organization also warned that limiting customs staffing at major airports would hurt international tourism and business travel.

Airlines for America, which represents leading passenger and cargo carriers, said reducing CBP operations at large airports could significantly delay international flights and interrupt cargo supply chains. More than 50 million international travelers passed through New York’s three major airports last year alone.

Democrats continue to criticize current immigration enforcement policies, arguing reforms are needed to address alleged abuses by ICE and CBP officers.