Trump Considers Blocking Immigration Processing at Airports in Sanctuary Cities

Trump Pressures Sanctuary Cities

Airports Could Restrict Flights

World Cup Raises Air Travel Concerns

President Donald Trump’s administration is considering suspending immigration and customs processing at airports located in sanctuary cities.

The measure seeks to increase pressure on local governments that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

Trump Evaluates Immigration Penalty Against Sanctuary Cities

Threats to suspend international travel at airports in U.S. “sanctuary cities” https://t.co/yougd0ltDR #LaPatillaUSA

— La Patilla (@la_patilla) May 21, 2026

The possible change could affect international air traffic in the United States just weeks before the start of the World Cup, according to EFE.

Why it matters: The proposal could put international operations at some of the country’s busiest airports at risk.

It also raises concern in the U.S. tourism industry ahead of the expected arrival of hundreds of thousands of foreign visitors for the World Cup.

Homeland Security Evaluates Restrictions in Sanctuary Cities Airports

Trump threat against sanctuary city airports causes concern in travel industry https://t.co/9XlglMBTIe

— Maz Digital Diario (@DiarioMaz80565) May 24, 2026

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said his department is already working on plans related to this initiative.

The remarks were made during an interview with Fox News on Tuesday.

According to Mullin, the government is considering withdrawing federal international processing services in cities that restrict cooperation with ICE.

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The department “is drawing up plans” to stop processing international flights in those cities, the official said.

Mullin questioned why some jurisdictions limit the enforcement of federal immigration laws while still maintaining federal services at their airports.

“They don’t want us to enforce immigration laws, but they do want us to process immigration paperwork at their facilities,” he said.

The official added that the situation “makes no sense.”

Protests in New Jersey Raise Tension

The secretary’s remarks come after protests over the weekend in New Jersey.

In that state, clashes were reported between demonstrators and agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement, known as ICE.

The protests occurred outside the Delaney Hall detention center.

According to Mullin, demonstrators blocked federal employees’ access to the facility.

“They are preventing, through barricades, our employees from entering and leaving the facilities,” he said.

The official used that case as an example to justify the possible suspension of immigration processing at sanctuary city airports.

However, he clarified that the measure has not yet been definitively approved.

He also said the initiative has not been officially implemented.

Key Airports in Sanctuary Cities Could Be Affected

The proposal could affect international airports located in cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco.

These cities maintain policies that limit cooperation with ICE.

Among the potentially affected airports is New York’s JFK, one of the busiest in the country.

The possibility of restricting the entry of international travelers has caused concern in the tourism sector.

Concern is growing because of the approaching World Cup, which will be held in Mexico, Canada, and the United States.

The United States will host 70% of the tournament’s matches.

The event is expected to bring hundreds of thousands of international visitors.

What’s next: The federal government has not yet confirmed whether the proposal will be approved.

The airline and tourism industries remain alert for possible decisions that could disrupt the entry of international travelers.