Aviation sector representatives are voicing serious concerns following Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin’s confirmation that he’s weighing the removal of federal border protection personnel from airport facilities in jurisdictions with sanctuary policies — a decision that could threaten international flight operations.
According to the U.S. Travel Association, Mullin verified his consideration of pulling CPB staff during discussions where industry representatives raised objections to various Trump administration proposals that might restrict travel operations. Both U.S. Travel and major airline companies swiftly criticized the concept, with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy also expressing skepticism about the approach.
“U.S. Travel believes such a move would have devastating consequences for the travel industry and communities that depend on international visitation,” the organization stated Friday.
The Atlantic initially disclosed information about the meeting.
During Congressional testimony earlier this week, Duffy acknowledged his unfamiliarity with Mullin’s statements, expressing interest in understanding the full context and potentially questioning Mullin directly about his intentions. However, Duffy characterized politically-motivated travel restrictions as problematic policy, noting that political control eventually shifts and “you will all switch spots at one point — hopefully not too soon Mr. Chairman,” Duffy remarked.
“We have people from around the world and around the country that need to be able to fly into all different kinds of places. We shouldn’t shut down air travel in a state that doesn’t agree with our politics,” Duffy stated.
The level of administrative backing for this proposal remains uncertain, although President Donald Trump has previously threatened financial penalties for sanctuary jurisdictions.
While sanctuary policies lack precise definition, the terminology typically refers to restricted collaboration with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Federal courts have previously rejected funding withdrawal attempts from such jurisdictions.
During Trump’s initial presidency in 2017, judicial rulings blocked his attempts to reduce funding to these municipalities.
The specific cities and airports Mullin might target remain unclear, though the Justice Department released a catalog last year identifying three dozen states, municipalities and counties classified as sanctuary jurisdictions.
The Airlines for America organization immediately warned that the proposal would damage economic activity and create travel chaos.
“Reducing CBP staffing at major airports would have a devastating effect on the airline and tourism industries, causing a significant operational disruption to carriers, travelers and the flow of international cargo.”
