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The travel industry is warning of “devastating consequences” after Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin renewed his threat to withdraw U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers from airports in so-called “sanctuary cities.”
Secretary Mullin discussed the potential withdrawal during a meeting where the U.S. Travel Association was addressing other proposals by the Trump administration that could hinder travel, the association said.
U.S. Travel and major airlines quickly condemned the idea that could jeopardize international flights and even Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said it doesn’t make sense to him.
“U.S. Travel believes such a move would have devastating consequences for the travel industry and communities that depend on international visitation,” the industry group said in a statement.
During a Congressional hearing, Secretary Duffy said he was unfamiliar with Mullin’s specific remarks but cautioned against restricting travel based on political views.
He highlighted the cyclical nature of political power, noting, “you will all switch spots at one point — hopefully not too soon Mr. Chairman.”
Duffy added, “We shouldn’t shut down air travel in a state that doesn’t agree with our politics.”
The level of support for the proposal within the administration remains unclear, though President Donald Trump has previously threatened to withhold funding from sanctuary cities.
While there is no strict legal definition, “sanctuary policies” generally refer to jurisdictions that limit cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Courts have historically rejected attempts to cut funding to these cities, notably striking down a similar effort by Trump in 2017.
Although specific airports remain unnamed, the Justice Department last year identified three dozen states, cities and counties as “sanctuary jurisdictions.”
The Airlines for America trade group was quick to say the idea would hurt the economy and disrupt travel.
“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,” the group wrote.
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