DHS Threatens to Halt International Travel at Sanctuary City Airports Ahead of World Cup
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is considering stopping international flight processing at airports in cities that do not cooperate with federal immigration enforcement ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin announced plans to reassign Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers from certain airports in so-called “sanctuary” cities to focus on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities.
Mullin criticized sanctuary cities for preventing local authorities from working with federal border officials while still expecting to handle international arrivals. He questioned the logic of enforcing immigration laws while continuing to process international passengers at those locations.
The proposal targets airports in places like Newark, New Jersey, which has seen protests against the administration’s immigration policies. Mullin said that if cities resist federal enforcement, the government may “prioritize” airports elsewhere. He warned that obstructing CBP operations could lead to an inability to process international flights, impacting arrivals and departures at affected airports.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy opposed the plan during a recent congressional hearing, saying it would harm travelers and disrupt air service in states that disagree with federal policies. The White House has not publicly supported Mullin’s proposal.
The U.S. Travel Association warned the policy could cause chaos amid the World Cup, which expects millions of international visitors. They said the move would damage the country’s reputation as a destination and cost roughly $8 billion in visitor spending and nearly 50,000 jobs if applied at Newark alone. Removing CBP officers from major hubs like Los Angeles International Airport would also raise questions about rerouting flights and managing passenger volumes.
Industry groups and airlines predict that restricting international flights at busy airports would trigger extensive delays and cancellations, affecting both tourists and Americans returning home.
With the U.S. hosting one of the world’s largest sporting events, concerns grow over potential disruptions. The threat to halt processing at sanctuary city airports may create significant upheaval in the weeks leading up to the World Cup. As the summer progresses, more clarity is needed on whether the DHS will follow through and how affected airports and travelers will manage the situation.
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