DHS Chief Weighs Pulling CBP Officers From Sanctuary City Airports
DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin said he is considering pulling U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers out of airports in so-called sanctuary cities, the department reported on Monday, May 25, 2026.[1]
The U.S. Travel Association and major airlines warned such a move would devastate international travel and local economies.[1] Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy told Congress that restricting air travel over political disagreements would be a bad idea.[1]
In 2017 President Trump tried to cut federal funds to sanctuary cities but courts blocked that effort.[1] The Justice Department has identified roughly three dozen jurisdictions as sanctuary areas, a designation tied to ongoing fights over immigration enforcement.[1]
Airlines and travel groups say removing CBP officers could slow international arrivals and cause steep economic losses for cities that rely on tourism and business travel.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- In a meeting disclosed in a May 25, 2026 report, DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin confirmed he is considering withdrawing CBP officers from airports in so-called sanctuary cities.
- The U.S. Travel Association and major airlines warned such a move would have devastating consequences for international travel and local economies.
- Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy told Congress he thinks restricting air travel based on political disagreements would be a bad idea.
- Courts struck down President Trump's 2017 attempt to cut federal funding to sanctuary cities, and DOJ has listed roughly three dozen jurisdictions it considers sanctuary areas.
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