DHS Plans to End Customs Processing at Airports in Sanctuary Cities

Homeland 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. U.S. citizens, at seaports, land borders, and international airports.