Homeland Security’s Plan to Strong-Arm ‘Sanctuary’ Cities
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin is considering a plan to reduce federal airport screening in cities with sanctuary policies. This proposal has raised concerns among travel executives about potential chaos and economic damage at major U.S. airports. The plan aims to pressure these cities to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, but its feasibility and impact are being questioned.
- ▪Mullin's proposal could affect airports in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago.
- ▪Travel executives warn that rerouting international travelers and cargo would be chaotic and economically damaging.
- ▪DHS has not made a final decision on the airport plan but is exploring various options to exert pressure on sanctuary cities.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
PoliticsHomeland Security’s Plan to Strong-Arm ‘Sanctuary’ CitiesDHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin told travel executives he may target airports in cities that don’t help ICE.By Nick MiroffJacquelyn Martin / APMay 21, 2026, 1:33 PM ET ShareSave In early April, shortly after Markwayne Mullin took over the Department of Homeland Security, he floated an idea on Fox News that wasn’t taken seriously; it sounded, in fact, like a proposal from someone very new on the job: Mullin threatened to cut federal screening of international passengers and cargo at airports in cities with “sanctuary” policies, which limit cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Atlantic.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from The Atlantic
