Travel Disruptions Loom as Homeland Security Considers Reassigning Customs Officers at Newark Airport
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin is debating a move to redirect customs officers from Newark Liberty International Airport to address protests at a nearby immigration detention center in New Jersey. This possibility has sparked concerns among airline officials and federal workers who fear it could disrupt international flights and logistics.
The officials discussing the situation, speaking anonymously about internal deliberations, said Mullin has not finalized a decision. His choice may hinge on whether protests intensify over the weekend and the effectiveness of border enforcement chief Tom Homan’s planned engagement with local authorities in New Jersey. Ultimately, President Donald Trump holds the final authority on any such redeployment.
The focal point is Delaney Hall, a detention facility near Newark, which has become a stage for protests against the Trump administration’s immigration policies. This reflects broader tensions between federal officers and demonstrators in various cities.
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill, a Democrat, recently established protected protest zones around Delaney Hall aimed at reducing conflict. While Mullin praised this effort as restoring order, Sherrill dismissed the idea of removing customs officers from Newark airport as "completely ridiculous," highlighting the upcoming FIFA World Cup matches in the United States.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers working at the airport differ from immigration enforcement agents. Reassigning these customs officers to manage protests could strain resources dedicated to processing international arrivals. Airline representatives described the proposal as unprecedented and said it complicates their operational planning.
Disruptions at Newark could have ripple effects on the broader air travel network. Newark is a key hub with over 20,000 international passengers daily, handling nearly $100 million in daily imports. Its capacity issues mean neighboring airports cannot easily absorb additional international flights without creating broader delays.
Federal Aviation Administration chief Bryan Bedford remarked that shifting international flights to other airports is highly limited, further complicating potential rerouting efforts. The Airlines for America trade group and other travel organizations have warned that such a move could inflict immediate and lasting damage to travel, commerce, and America’s global image.
Several industry groups urged the Department of Homeland Security to refrain from any action that would risk economic and operational stability at major airports like Newark.
For now, airline officials continue to monitor discussions closely as the situation unfolds, especially with major international events on the horizon and pressure mounting on federal agencies to manage both security and public order.
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