Overview
- Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin renewed the threat to remove U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers from international terminals and said plans are being drafted, a development reported across outlets on May 29.
- Airlines and trade groups warn the move would force large-scale flight rerouting, strain gate and staffing capacity at other hubs, and disrupt international cargo flows.
- The U.S. Travel Association and other industry advisers estimate severe economic harm if a major hub like Newark lost CBP processing, with one estimate at roughly $8 billion in annual lost tourist spending for that region.
- Senior administration figures including Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and FAA leadership have criticized or cautioned against the idea, and officials say any implementation would face significant legal and logistical barriers because federal law requires CBP at points of entry.
- With the FIFA World Cup weeks away, airports and carriers say timing raises urgent reputational and operational risks, and the department has not announced a decision or timeline, making delays and likely court challenges the probable next steps.