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By Billal Rahman
Immigration Reporter
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The Trump administration is considering a dramatic escalation in its immigration crackdown that could disrupt international travel and trade at some of the nation’s busiest airports.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said officials are drawing up plans to halt Customs and Border Protection processing for international passengers and cargo at airports in sanctuary cities. This could potentially target major Democratic-led hubs including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and San Francisco.
The proposal withdrawing Customs and Border Protection officers from some of the country’s busiest airports could create major disruptions for international travel, tourism and cargo operations just as the U.S. prepares to host millions of visitors for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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However, Mullin stressed that the proposal remains under consideration and has not yet been implemented.
"We are currently—which we’re not initiating yet—but we’re currently drawing up plans," Mullin said during an interview with Fox News. He added that the administration had discussed the idea with the White House.
Newsweek has contacted the Department of Homeland Security and the White House for comment.
The move is tied to the administration’s broader hard-line immigration agenda and would target jurisdictions federal officials say are refusing to cooperate with agencies such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Any reduction in customs processing capacity at major hubs could ripple through airlines, global trade networks and local economies, while escalating the administration’s confrontation with sanctuary jurisdictions over immigration enforcement.
Major Cities Could Face Disruption
Officials have suggested the policy could affect several major cities with international airport hubs, including Boston, Denver, Philadelphia, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, Newark, Seattle and San Francisco—many of which are considered sanctuary jurisdictions.
"We shouldn't be processing international flights into their cities," Mullin told Fox News.
Industry groups have already raised concerns about the potential fallout.
The U.S. Travel Association told Reuters that administration officials confirmed the withdrawal of CBP officers from certain airports was being discussed, warning the move could have sweeping consequences for airlines, tourism and international trade.
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Some reports have suggested that any policy rollout could be delayed until after the World Cup, although officials have not formally confirmed a timeline.
Critics of the proposal argue it could severely disrupt commerce and international travel, particularly at airports that serve as major gateways for both passengers and freight. No final decision has been announced.
Mullin recently discussed the possibility of scaling back CBP staffing at major international hubs in sanctuary jurisdictions during a meeting with airline and travel-industry executives at DHS headquarters, according to The Atlantic.
There have been intensifying political clashes over immigration enforcement. Democrats and progressive groups have pushed for stronger limits on federal immigration operations, arguing sanctuary policies help protect immigrant communities and prevent abuses by enforcement agencies.
World Cup Host Cities That Are Sanctuary Cities
- Boston
- Los Angeles
- New York City / Newark
- Philadelphia
- Seattle
- San Francisco Bay Area
The expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup begins on June 11, 2026, in Mexico City, with matches set to be played across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
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