The Trump administration is reportedly formulating plans to suspend international flights to several Democratic-led sanctuary cities, according to Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin. The move targets cities that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities, with Newark, New Jersey, singled out following recent clashes at the Delaney Hall immigration detention center.
Sanctuary Cities in the Crosshairs
Mullin stated on Fox News that the Department of Homeland Security is considering halting the processing of international travelers at major airports in sanctuary cities. These cities include Boston, Denver, Philadelphia, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, Seattle, and San Francisco. The secretary argued that if local leaders obstruct federal immigration enforcement, then international flights should not be processed there.
“They’re barricading our employees from coming in and out of the facility,” Mullin told Sean Hannity. “Why are we processing international flights into the airport there?” He added that while the plans are not yet initiated, they are being drawn up to pressure cities that refuse to enforce federal laws.
Impact on Tourism and World Cup
The announcement comes just weeks before the FIFA World Cup, which is expected to draw tens of millions of tourists to the United States. Some matches will be held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, near Newark. The U.S. Travel Association warned of “devastating consequences” for the travel industry if Customs and Border Protection officers are withdrawn from airport checkpoints in sanctuary cities.
“U.S. Travel believes such a move would have devastating consequences for the travel industry and communities that depend on international visitation,” the association said in a statement.
Background of Tensions
Mullin first floated the idea in April during a DHS shutdown. The renewed focus follows a weekend of heightened tension at the Newark detention facility, where hundreds of detainees went on hunger strike over alleged inhumane conditions. In an open letter, detainees cited inadequate food, medical care, and physical and psychological torture. Several Democratic officials visited the facility and condemned the conditions.
Homeland Security dismissed the allegations as a “smear campaign.” Acting assistant secretary Lauren Bis said, “This is nothing more than a political stunt by New Jersey sanctuary politicians for fundraising clicks. There is NO hunger strike at Delaney Hall. There are NO subprime conditions or abuse at the facility.”
