Airlines warn of CBP officer removal risk

Delta Air Lines joined United Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, JetBlue Airways and Alaska Airlines in warning on June 1 that international flights could be disrupted if the Department of Homeland Security removes Customs and Border Protection officers from major airports, according to industry statements and published reports. The warning followed comments by Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin that the Trump administration was drawing up plans to stop processing international travelers and cargo at airports in so-called sanctuary cities. (dcnewsnow.com) Reuters reported on May 26 that Mullin cited airports in cities including Denver, Philadelphia, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, Newark, Seattle and San Francisco as possible locations for such action. (straitstimes.com) Airlines for America, which represents major U.S. carriers, said reducing CBP staffing at major airports would have a “devastating effect” on airlines, travelers and international cargo. The U.S. Travel Association separately told Reuters that Mullin confirmed in a meeting that the administration was considering withdrawing CBP officers from international airports in certain sanctuary cities. ### What exactly are airlines warning could happen? Customs and Border Protection officers are required to process arriving international passengers and cargo, and without that federal inspection service airports cannot function as normal international gateways. (kelo.com) NBC Chicago reported Mullin said on Fox News that if CBP is not there processing international flights, arriving passengers “won’t be permitted into the United States.” Reuters reported the proposal could effectively halt international air travel and commerce at major airports in Democratic-led states. Travel And Tour World reported on June 1 that Delta had joined United, American, Southwest, JetBlue and Alaska in warning travelers that flights could “grind to a halt” if DHS follows through. (dcnewsnow.com) That report said travelers were being urged to check flight status, consider travel insurance and remain flexible on routing, though those recommendations were presented by the outlet rather than in a public airline advisory reviewed here. ### Which airports have been mentioned so far? Markwayne Mullin named Denver, Philadelphia, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, Newark, Seattle and San Francisco in comments reported by Reuters on May 26. (nbcchicago.com) NBC Chicago said the list of sanctuary jurisdictions would include Chicago’s O’Hare and Midway airports, while DC News Now reported Dulles International Airport could also be affected, citing The Atlantic and local officials. Dulles handled about 10.5 million commercial international passengers over the prior 12 months, according to Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority figures cited by DC News Now. That report said the possible staffing changes were being discussed ahead of the summer World Cup travel surge. (msn.com) ### What has the administration said publicly? Mullin said in an interview reported by Reuters that the administration was “drawing up plans,” but Reuters also said he emphasized no final decision had been made. In an April press briefing cited by DC News Now, Mullin said that if cities would not enforce immigration laws and policies, “it doesn’t make any sense for us to process international travelers through that city.” (whtc.com) Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy publicly distanced himself from the idea. AIN reported Duffy said at a House hearing that he had not seen the proposal and added, “We should not shut down air travel in states that don’t agree with our politics.” NBC Chicago and Associated Press carried the same remark. (dcnewsnow.com) ### Who is pushing back besides the airlines? Nearly 20 organizations urged DHS on June 1 to retain CBP operations at international gateway airports, according to Aviation International News. AIN said the signatories included Airports Council International–North America, Airlines for America, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Retail Federation, NBAA and NATA. (straitstimes.com) The joint statement said any reduction in CBP operations at major U.S. gateway airports threatened “unnecessary chaos” across the nation’s air transportation system. The groups said airports and airlines rely on stable federal inspection services to keep people and commerce moving. (ainonline.com) ### What should travelers watch next? June 11 is the scheduled start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and multiple reports said the possible CBP changes were being weighed as the United States prepares for a surge of international visitors. DHS has not announced a final policy change, and trade groups said on June 1 they were still pressing the department to keep CBP staffing in place at major gateway airports. (ainonline.com) (kelo.com)