Business Groups Fight Plan to Pull Customs from Sanctuary City Airports
A proposal by Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin to withdraw U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers from airports in so-called “sanctuary cities” has ignited a fierce backlash from major business groups, drawn public opposition from a fellow Cabinet secretary, and exposed divisions within the Trump administration just weeks before the FIFA World Cup is set to bring millions of international visitors to the United States.
The Proposal
Mullin first floated the idea publicly in April during an appearance on Fox News’ “Special Report,” questioning whether cities with sanctuary policies — jurisdictions that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement — should continue receiving international customs processing. He has since escalated his rhetoric, telling Fox News’ “Hannity” this week that if “radical left Democrats” won’t allow federal authorities to enforce immigration laws in their communities, “then we shouldn’t be processing international flights into their cities either.”
According to AP News, the Justice Department published a list of sanctuary jurisdictions in August 2025 that includes major international air hubs such as New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Denver, Philadelphia, Newark, Seattle, and Boston. Mullin has also criticized Virginia, whose governor, Abigail Spanberger, recently signed an executive order limiting cooperation with federal immigration officers.
Industry Opposition
The proposal has drawn swift and forceful condemnation from the travel and airline industries. Airlines for America, the trade association representing American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and others, warned that reducing CBP staffing at major airports “would have a devastating effect on the airline and tourism industries, causing a significant operational disruption to carriers, travelers and the flow of international cargo.”
The U.S. Travel Association, whose members include major hotel chains like Hilton and Marriott, confirmed that Mullin told them in a meeting he is considering withdrawing CBP officers. The group said such a move “would have devastating consequences for the travel industry and communities that depend on international visitation,” as CNBC reported.
Internal Administration Divisions
Perhaps most notably, the proposal has revealed significant rifts within the Trump administration itself. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy publicly opposed the idea during a congressional hearing on May 21, stating: “We shouldn’t shut down air travel in a state that doesn’t agree with our politics.” Duffy warned that when Democrats are eventually back in charge, the political roles would reverse.
According to CNN via Yahoo News, two Trump officials told CNN the plan is more a “personal desire” of Mullin’s than a West Wing priority. One official described Mullin as “obsessed” with the idea since being sworn in as DHS secretary in March, replacing the ousted Kristi Noem. A White House official said: “The President loves having a team that is constantly coming up with new ideas but ultimately any policy decisions will be up to him.”
Legal and Logistical Hurdles
The proposal faces significant legal obstacles. During Trump’s first term, courts struck down his administration’s effort to cut federal funding from sanctuary cities. There is no strict legal definition for “sanctuary policies” or “sanctuary cities,” which could complicate any enforcement effort.
Operationally, the plan would be extraordinarily complex. Airline routes are set far in advance, and rerouting international flights to non-sanctuary airports would be difficult given that many busy airports lack spare capacity. International travelers destined for sanctuary cities might need to land elsewhere and complete domestic connections, adding significant cost and complexity.
World Cup Timing
The proposal comes at a particularly sensitive moment. The FIFA World Cup is scheduled to begin in June/July 2026 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with millions of visitors expected to travel to host cities. USA Today reported that The Atlantic first detailed Mullin’s meeting with travel executives, noting the proposal could potentially be considered after the World Cup concludes in July.
What’s Next
As of late May, no plans are imminent. Mullin has said the administration is “drawing up plans” but not putting anything into place yet. The lack of White House endorsement and public opposition from Transportation Secretary Duffy suggest significant internal hurdles remain.
The proposal could be a negotiating tactic to pressure sanctuary cities, a genuine policy proposal awaiting presidential approval, or a trial balloon to gauge public and industry reaction. What is clear is that the idea has united an unusual coalition of opposition — from airlines and hotel chains to a fellow Cabinet secretary — and raised serious questions about the administration’s approach to immigration enforcement and its impact on international travel and commerce.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro has warned that his state “will respond” if the federal government acts in a “reckless, chaotic, cruel way,” signaling that legal and political battles likely lie ahead should the proposal move forward.