U.S. travel industry warns Trump airport processing plan could disrupt international traffic

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Trump airport plan travel warning

Highlights

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated the administration may stop international flight processing in cities not cooperating with federal immigration enforcement, with plans under consideration but not yet enacted.
Airlines for America and the U.S. Travel Association warned that withdrawing Customs and Border Protection officers from major airports would devastate travel, cargo, and local economies dependent on international visitors.
Potential airport restrictions target sanctuary cities like Newark, Boston, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Philadelphia, risking severe disruption ahead of an expected World Cup-driven surge in international traffic.

Industry alarm over proposed airport restrictions

As reported by CNBC, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said in a Fox News interview on Tuesday night that the administration is considering stopping international flight processing in cities it says do not cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. He said officials are drawing up plans but are not putting anything in place yet.

Trade groups representing the largest U.S. airlines and hotel chains say such a move would create severe disruption across aviation, tourism and cargo operations. Airlines for America said reducing Customs and Border Protection staffing at major airports would have a devastating effect on carriers, travelers and the flow of international cargo.

The U.S. Travel Association said Mullin also confirmed in a meeting with the group that the administration is considering withdrawing CBP officers. The organization said the step would have devastating consequences for the travel industry and for communities that rely on international visitors.

Pressure on sanctuary cities and wider economic risks

The administration’s remarks are intensifying a broader conflict over immigration policy between Washington and jurisdictions labeled as sanctuary cities. Mullin said that if local leaders are not allowing the federal government to enforce immigration laws, international flights should not be processed into their cities.

The idea raises questions about whether the administration is using airport processing as leverage against cities with more lenient policies toward undocumented immigrants. The Justice Department last August published a list of states and cities it said are impeding U.S. immigration policies, including major international air hubs such as Newark, Boston, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle and Philadelphia.

Any reduction in customs or immigration processing at those airports could constrain inbound traffic to the U.S. at a time when host cities in the U.S., Canada and Mexico are preparing for a surge in visitors tied to the World Cup.

Our earlier report on rising U.S. airfare and hotel prices explained how higher travel costs are splitting summer demand, with middle- and lower-income households delaying or dropping trips while wealthier travelers keep plans intact. We noted that airfare increases and pricier economy travel are already weighing on bookings and shifting preferences toward cheaper options, even as overall leisure demand remains relatively resilient.

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