Earlier this month, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin discussed suspending customs operations at airports in sanctuary cities across the United States. Notably, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is part of the DHS.
“If they’re a sanctuary city, should they really be processing customs into — into their city?” questioned Mullin during an April 6 Fox News Special Report appearance. “Seriously, if they’re a sanctuary city and they’re receiving international flights, and we’re asking them to partner with us at the airport, but once they walk out of the airport they’re not going to enforce immigration policy — maybe we need to have a really hard look at that. Because we need to focus on cities that want to work with us.”
“It’s an option,” Mullin separately told reporters on the topic, according to Reuters. “If cities are going to sit there and say that they’re not going to enforce immigration policies, then I’ll repeat myself and say it doesn’t make any sense for us to process international travelers through that city.”
“We’re going to start having those conversations. As I said, this is just something I’m thinking. This isn’t something that I’m necessarily going to do,” he added.
Where Could Airport Customs Be Impacted?
The Department of Justice pinpoints nearly 20 sanctuary cities in its information last updated in October 2025. Those places include Boston, Massachusetts; Chicago, Illinois; Denver, Colorado; Hoboken and Newark, New Jersey; Los Angeles and San Francisco, California; New York City, New York; and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The department also lists the District of Columbia as one of several sanctuary states.
Based on the cities mentioned, some of the potential international airports that could be impacted (if Mullin’s idea escalates into actions taken) include:
- Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
- Chicago O’Hare (ORD)
- Denver International Airport (DEN)
- Los Angeles (LAX)
- Newark Liberty (EWR)
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
- Philadelphia (PHL)
- San Francisco (SFO)
- Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
The aforementioned airports include some of the U.S.’s busiest.
What Else Should Travelers Know?
Mullin was appointed to the role of DHS Secretary on March 23, replacing Kristi Noem, who was a former governor of South Dakota.
While currently just a talking point, if escalated and approved, Mullin’s idea could significantly affect international arrivals into the U.S. for both American citizens and foreigners. As many of the country’s most bustling metropolitan hubs are sanctuary cities, the idea’s implementation would also have widespread impact.
In addition to likely creating a barrier to U.S. entry for international travelers and incoming imports at those airports, subsequent ramifications could significantly disrupt the economy. Logistically, the idea’s implementation would likely trigger a domino effect, leading to flight reroutes, trade disruptions, heavy traveler confusion, and a strain on airlines. Also, it’s unclear whether or how the situation would impact customs workers’ time on the job and pay.
Mullin’s commentary on possibly suspending airport customs operations in sanctuary cities is amid the country’s ongoing partial government shutdown, which is directly affecting the DHS. The shutdown began on February 14 and, as of this reporting, is the longest in U.S. history.
What does this mean for my future travels?
The U.S. anticipates an influx of international travelers this year. It’s one of the three North American hosts of this year’s FIFA World Cup. Soccer matches featuring some of the world’s best national teams begin in June and will occur across the country.
Mullin’s idea has not been officially rolled out in any way. It has also not been explicitly stated that there’s a plan for how a rollout would be practically executed. As of now, customs screenings at airports in sanctuary cities should be operating under their regular procedures (or the ones they adopted during the shutdown).
If you’re worried about potential travel delays, cancellations, and disruptions, consider purchasing flexible, refundable airfare during your booking process. If your flights are already booked, opt in to receive itinerary updates from your airline. Also, stay up to date with the latest travel news and your rights as a traveler.
