DHS Plans to End Customs Processing at Airports in Sanctuary Cities
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said Tuesday the department is preparing to remove customs operations from airports in sanctuary cities. Seven of the eleven FIFA World Cup host cities meet the sanctuary definition.
japantoday.comHomeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated Tuesday that the department is preparing to end customs processing at airports located in sanctuary cities. The change would affect international arrivals at those facilities. Mullin told Fox News host Sean Hannity that the department is drawing up plans because sanctuary jurisdictions do not allow local jails to transfer custody of certain individuals to federal immigration authorities.
He said the department should not process international flights into airports where local officials limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
Eleven cities are scheduled to host FIFA World Cup matches this summer: Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Seattle. Seven of those cities are classified as sanctuary jurisdictions.
A review of aviation data from Cirium Diio showed that four of the nation’s ten busiest airports for international travel are located in three of the sanctuary host cities. Those airports recorded between 31,000 and 72,000 international takeoffs each from April through December 2024.
Mullin was sworn in as secretary in March.
In an April interview he indicated the department was examining customs operations at Los Angeles International Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport. Rep. Rob Menendez (D-NJ) described the proposed change as “one of the dumbest things I’ve ever heard” during a Wednesday interview with CNN. S. citizens, at seaports, land borders, and international airports.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
4 events- March 2025
Markwayne Mullin sworn in as DHS secretary.
1 sourceWashington Examiner - April 2025
Mullin said department was reviewing customs operations at LAX and JFK.
1 sourceWashington Examiner - 2025-05-27
Mullin confirmed plans to end customs processing in sanctuary-city airports.
1 sourceWashington Examiner - 2025-05-28
Rep. Rob Menendez called the proposal one of the dumbest things he had heard.
1 sourceWashington Examiner
Potential Impact
- 01
Local governments in sanctuary cities may face reduced federal customs presence at their airports.
- 02
International passengers may need to connect through non-sanctuary airports to reach affected host cities.
- 03
Airlines could adjust flight schedules if customs staffing changes at seven airports.
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