Homeland Security Considers Customs Processing Suspension in Sanctuary Cities

Homeland Security Secretary Mark Wayne Mullin has mentioned that the federal government is contemplating the suspension of customs processing at airports located in sanctuary cities. This could, in theory, impede international travelers from entering major cities like New York, New Orleans, and Philadelphia. Such a move might hurt the economic landscape and even affect the tax base of these cities.

Mullin indicated during an interview that the refusal of sanctuary cities to collaborate with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in enforcing immigration laws might necessitate a reconsideration of service provision to these areas. “One area to explore is whether these cities should be able to manage customs if they’re sanctuary cities,” he remarked.

He voiced that sanctuary cities are essentially acting in ways that may not align legally, suggesting that they shouldn’t be exempt from specific federal policies. Although many sanctuary cities were contacted for comments, there was no immediate response.

The customs processes at international airports could serve as leverage for the DHS, especially considering that agencies such as ICE, CBP, and USCIS operate under its jurisdiction—agencies which many sanctuary cities oppose.

In recent outreach, Fox News Digital reached out to various city officials, including mayors from cities like New York, Seattle, Los Angeles, and others. Notably, Philadelphia’s District Attorney, Larry Krasner, held a recent meeting at Philadelphia International Airport where he threatened to prosecute ICE officers once again. As of late Wednesday, no responses had been received from these officials.

Mullin emphasized that this issue merits serious contemplation. He mentioned that if a city is accepting international flights yet isn’t willing to cooperate on immigration enforcement, it raises questions about the partnership. “We have to focus on cities that want to work with us,” he stated.

Moreover, with the ongoing partial government shutdown led by Democrats, Mullin expressed that priorities might need to shift. “At some point, we have to start prioritizing,” he said, pointing out the complexities surrounding customs and border protection.

Lastly, Mullin clarified that he isn’t pushing for any policy outside of what Congress has mandated; rather, he hopes to encourage municipalities to engage collaboratively with his agency.