Overview
- Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin has said he is drawing up plans to remove U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers from airports in jurisdictions the administration labels 'sanctuary,' a move that would stop processing of international arrivals.
- The idea remains unapproved and has drawn public resistance inside the administration from Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and FAA officials who say rerouting international flights is largely impractical.
- Airlines and trade groups have warned of immediate harm, with the U.S. Travel Association estimating pulling CBP from Newark could cost about $8 billion in annual tourist spending and carriers engaging directly with DHS leadership to press the risks.
- A removal of CBP would force airlines to reroute or cancel international flights because federal officers are legally required at ports of entry, creating knock-on congestion at other hubs and straining gate, crew and ground operations.
- The plan faces legal and operational hurdles and is likely to be delayed or altered given pending court risks, intra‑government pushback and concerns about disrupting travel and cargo during the June–July World Cup.