Airlines and various travel industry trade groups are vehemently opposing a proposal by Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin to withdraw Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers from airports located in "sanctuary cities." This move, intended to punish cities that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities, would prevent these airports from accepting international flights, leading to widespread chaos and significant economic losses.
Airlines for America, a major trade association representing carriers like American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines, stated that reducing CBP staffing at major airports would have a "devastating effect" on the airline and tourism industries. They warned of "significant operational disruption" to carriers, travelers, and international cargo flow. The U.S. Travel Association, whose members include airlines and major hotel chains such as Hilton and Marriott, echoed these concerns, estimating that a full shutdown of customs operations in sanctuary city airports could imperil over $70 billion in U.S. economic activity.
The proposal specifically targets 18 airports in areas designated as sanctuary cities by the Justice Department, including major hubs like Philadelphia, Boston, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Seattle, and Newark. These airports collectively handle 68 million passengers annually and billions in commercial activity. The travel industry estimates that shutting down customs at Newark Airport alone would jeopardize an estimated $8 billion per year in travel spending and $100 million in daily imports. Such a move would be particularly disruptive for upcoming events, like the World Cup matches, where Newark is expected to be a major destination.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has also publicly criticized Mullin's plan, stating during a congressional hearing, "We shouldn’t shut down air travel in a state that doesn’t agree with our politics." Despite Mullin's promotion of the idea in various media appearances, including on Fox News, the White House has not endorsed his plans, and the Department of Homeland Security has declined to comment beyond Mullin's statements.
