Trump Administration Weighs Halting Processing at Airports in 10-Plus Sanctuary Cities
Updated
Updated · DW (English) · May 27
Trump Administration Weighs Halting Processing at Airports in 10-Plus Sanctuary Cities
11 articles · Updated · DW (English) · May 27
Markwayne Mullin said the administration is drawing up plans to stop immigration and customs processing at airports in Democratic-run sanctuary cities, a move that could effectively block international passenger and cargo arrivals.
The proposal is tied to those cities' refusal to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement, with Mullin arguing authorities should not process international flights where local officials impede federal law enforcement.
Major airports in cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco and Seattle could be affected, disrupting travel and trade just as millions of foreign visitors are expected for the FIFA World Cup starting in June.
US Travel, Airlines for America and Transport Secretary Sean Duffy have warned the plan would severely damage airlines, tourism and cargo flows, underscoring resistance even inside the administration.
The airport threat extends a broader clash over Trump's immigration crackdown, which has already brought ICE deployments, National Guard use in some cities and a DHS funding standoff with congressional Democrats.
Beyond tourism, how will halting international cargo at key airports affect America's supply chains and consumer goods?
With the World Cup weeks away, how will the US honor entry guarantees to FIFA if host city airports are closed?
Could using airport shutdowns as a policy tool set a new precedent for future federal-state disputes on other issues?