US Weighs Airport Crackdown on Sanctuary Cities

US Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said the government is drawing up plans to halt customs and immigration processing for international passengers and cargo at airports in sanctuary cities that refuse to cooperate with federal authorities on migrant deportations.

Mullin said on Fox News that the administration had not made a final decision, but that a scenario was being actively prepared. Local Democratic governments, he said, were obstructing federal authorities from enforcing immigration law.

The measure could affect airports in cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Seattle and Boston, which are among the biggest US gateways for foreign tourists and international trade.

Critics warn that the move could cause serious economic damage and disrupt tourism, especially ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup. More than 50 million international passengers arrived at New York’s three major airports alone last year.

Airlines have warned that reducing the number of customs and immigration staff would cause traffic chaos, delays and problems with cargo clearance. Democrats have criticized the proposals, saying the immigration system should be reformed instead of using punitive measures and that abuses of power by federal agencies should be curbed.

(reuters, max)