DHS Threatens to Remove Customs Officers from Sanctuary City Airports

California governor calls the idea 'stupid' as it could halt international travel at major hubs

Apr. 7, 2026 at 9:37pm

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A dimly lit, cinematic painting of an empty airport terminal gate, with warm sunlight streaming through the windows and deep shadows cast across the floor, conveying a sense of melancholy and disruption.The prospect of customs officers being removed from sanctuary city airports raises concerns over the potential economic impact of disrupted international travel.Los Angeles Today

The Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin suggested removing U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers from airports in sanctuary cities, prompting criticism from California Governor Gavin Newsom who warned it could halt international travel at some of the country's busiest airports.

Why it matters

This move by the DHS would escalate the Trump administration's attempts to punish jurisdictions that don't cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. It could have significant economic impacts by disrupting international travel through major hubs like Los Angeles and San Francisco.

The details

Mullin told Fox News that the DHS was 'taking a hard look' at how to handle sanctuary cities, noting they may limit or remove Customs and Border Protection officers from airports in those cities if they don't partner with federal immigration authorities. Two of the country's largest international airports, LAX and SFO, are located in sanctuary cities.

  • On April 6, 2026, DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin made the comments on Fox News.
  • In 2025, LAX and SFO processed over 120 million departing and arriving passengers.

The players

Markwayne Mullin

The current Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, appointed on March 23, 2026.

Gavin Newsom

The Governor of California, who criticized Mullin's proposal as a 'stupid idea'.

Donald Trump

The former President whose administration had already faced legal challenges over attempts to withhold federal funding from sanctuary jurisdictions.

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What they’re saying

“If you thought the economy was bad with Trump's war driving prices at the pump up … just wait until international travel is halted at some of the busiest airports in the world.Talk about a stupid idea (no wonder it's being considered by the Trump Admin).”

— Gavin Newsom, Governor of California

“Some of these cities have international airports; if they are a sanctuary city, should they really be processing customs into their city?”

— Markwayne Mullin, Secretary, Department of Homeland Security

What’s next

If DHS enacts this policy, it would face legal challenges from sanctuary cities and states over the federal government's attempts to punish jurisdictions that don't cooperate with immigration enforcement.

The takeaway

This proposal highlights the ongoing tensions between the federal government and sanctuary cities over immigration enforcement, with significant potential economic impacts if international travel is disrupted at major airports.