The Trump administration is reportedly evaluating a proposal that could restrict or suspend international flight processing at airports located in sanctuary cities that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
The plan has not been implemented, but Homeland Security officials say it is under discussion as part of a broader effort to pressure jurisdictions that refuse to fully cooperate with federal immigration authorities.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said the administration is reviewing the idea because some sanctuary cities rely on federal immigration processing at airports while resisting federal immigration enforcement in their own jurisdictions.
Speaking during a television interview, Mullin argued that the arrangement makes little sense.
TRENDING TODAY
He said cities that do not want federal immigration authorities to enforce immigration law should not also expect federal officials to process international arrivals through their airports without question.
Under the proposal, international flight processing and customs operations could be restricted at airports in major sanctuary jurisdictions.
Cities potentially affected could include New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Boston, Seattle, Denver, Philadelphia and Newark.
Those airports are among the country’s busiest international travel hubs and handle major passenger, tourism and cargo operations.
Any restrictions could create major disruptions for airlines, travelers and international commerce.
Supporters of the proposal argue that sanctuary policies undermine federal immigration enforcement by limiting cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, restricting information-sharing or declining to honor detainer requests.
They say cities should not be able to block federal immigration priorities in one area while relying on federal immigration services in another.
Critics warn the idea could create serious logistical problems and punish travelers, businesses and airlines that have no role in local sanctuary policies.
They also argue that immigration disputes between federal and local officials should not be handled by disrupting international air travel.
The proposal comes amid growing tensions between the Trump administration and sanctuary jurisdictions, especially after recent protests outside immigration detention facilities.
Federal officials have accused some local leaders of obstructing enforcement efforts, while Democratic officials and immigration advocates argue that sanctuary policies protect communities and prevent local law enforcement from being turned into federal immigration agents.
For now, the plan remains in the evaluation stage, and no formal timeline has been announced.
Still, the idea signals that the administration is considering more aggressive tools to pressure sanctuary cities into cooperating with federal immigration policy.
Why It Matters
The proposal would expand the sanctuary city fight beyond policing and detention into transportation and airport operations. If implemented, it could affect some of America’s largest international airports and create a major showdown over federal power, immigration enforcement and local government authority.
What Comes Next
DHS officials are expected to continue reviewing the legal and logistical options. Sanctuary city leaders would likely challenge any restriction in court if the administration moves forward with the plan.
Mullin said DHS is drawing up plans to stop customs processing at international airports in sanctuary cities that limit cooperation with immigration enforcement.
Mullin says DHS is “drawing up plans” to stop Customs processing from international airports in sanctuary cities pic.twitter.com/MYuywR6vZL
— Jennie Taer (@JennieSTaer) May 27, 2026
