DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin has announced that the Department of Homeland Security is drafting plans to block all international flights into sanctuary cities by ending Customs and Border Protection screening at those airports.
In a statement on Fox News Channel’s “Hannity,” Mullin revealed the policy remains in the planning stage but has now been made public. He emphasized that cities refusing to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement should not expect continued airport processing while obstructing federal efforts.
Mullin directly linked the proposal to recent clashes around a Newark, New Jersey facility where DHS called local police for assistance after roads were barricaded and protesters attempted to gain access to gates. According to his account, local and state law enforcement failed to respond to emergency requests.
The Secretary stated that sanctuary cities seeking federal airport processing must align with immigration enforcement requirements or face immediate consequences. “If city streets around a federal facility are controlled by officials who refuse to assist DHS in moving personnel,” Mullin said, “the federal government should reassess what it provides to that city.”
The policy targets major international gateways including Los Angeles (LAX), Chicago (O’Hare and Midway), New York City, Newark, Boston, Denver, Philadelphia, Seattle, and San Francisco. DHS has not released a final public list of affected airports.
The U.S. Travel Association warned that withdrawing Customs and Border Protection officers from major airports could severely disrupt international travel, harming communities dependent on tourism and business travelers. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy also raised concerns during congressional hearings, stating air travel should not be suspended in any state over political disagreements.
Mullin confirmed he discussed the issue with the White House, but no final orders have been issued. Sanctuary cities remain under direct pressure as the administration advances its stance that federal airport processing requires cooperation with immigration enforcement.