Industry Leaders Oppose Proposal to Remove Customs Officers from Airports in Sanctuary Cities

Travel industry and business leaders are opposing a proposal by Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin. The proposal could remove customs officers from airports in cities like Boston, New York, and Los Angeles. Critics argue this could disrupt travel and harm the economy at major ports of entry.

Markwayne Mullin suggested this idea during cable television interviews. The proposal targets sanctuary cities that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Customs officers are essential for monitoring goods and facilitating international flights. Without them, international flights cannot be accepted.

Any reduction in Customs and Border Protection operations at major U.S. gateway airports threatens to cause unnecessary chaos throughout the nation’s air transportation system.

This was stated by a coalition of travel and business trade groups, including the U.S. Travel Association and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. They emphasized that changes at gateway airports would have nationwide repercussions.

Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy also expressed concerns. Addressing lawmakers, he called the move ill-advised. He highlighted the importance of accessibility to different destinations, regardless of political disagreements.