The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is weighing a proposal to withdraw Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers—not just ICE—from international airports located in "sanctuary cities".
On April 7, 2026, DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated that the federal government is considering halting the processing of international travelers at airports in jurisdictions that refuse to cooperate with the administration's immigration enforcement. This move would effectively prevent international flights from landing at major hubs as these airports would lose their designation as "ports of entry".
Key Impact Details
- Targeted Locations: Major hubs in designated sanctuary jurisdictions, including:
- New York (JFK/
Newark)
-
,
, and
Seattle (SEA)
- New York (JFK/
- Operational Consequences: Without CBP officers to clear passengers, arriving international flights would have to be rerouted to non-sanctuary airports or held on the tarmac.
- Economic & Event Risks: Experts warn this could severely impact trade, tourism, and upcoming major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to begin in June.
- Official Rationale: Secretary Mullin argued that if cities refuse to partner with the federal government on immigration law once travelers leave the airport, DHS must "prioritize" where its limited personnel are deployed.
