U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin has signaled a potential shift in federal immigration enforcement strategy, suggesting that the Trump administration may target international airports located within “sanctuary cities” that refuse to cooperate with federal authorities.
Speaking during an appearance on Fox News’ “Special Report” on Monday, April 6, 2026, Mullin questioned the logic of allowing cities to maintain international customs processing if those jurisdictions simultaneously obstruct the enforcement of federal immigration policy. The proposal marks a significant escalation in the tension between the federal government and local municipalities over sanctuary policies.
The core of the dispute centers on the coordination between local officials and federal agents. Mullin indicated that the administration is prioritizing partnerships with cities that actively perform with the DHS, implying that those who do not may face consequences regarding their ability to process international arrivals.
This development comes as the administration seeks to tighten border and immigration controls, placing international travel hubs at the center of a broader legal and political struggle over jurisdictional authority and the enforcement of federal law.
Questioning Customs Processing in Sanctuary Cities
During his interview with host Bret Baier, Secretary Mullin raised a fundamental question regarding the role of international airports in cities that identify as sanctuaries. He specifically questioned whether such cities should continue to process customs if they are unwilling to partner with federal agents once travelers leave the airport premises.
“Some of these cities have international airports — if they’re a sanctuary city, should they really be processing customs into their city?” Mullin asked. He further elaborated that if a city receives international flights but refuses to enforce immigration policy after individuals exit the airport, the DHS may need to “have a really hard look at that.”
The Secretary emphasized that the federal government must focus its resources on cities that are willing to collaborate. This approach suggests a potential pivot toward a “priority-based” system for federal resources, where cooperation becomes a prerequisite for certain operational advantages at major travel hubs.
Potential Loss of Customs Capabilities
The implications of Mullin’s statements were clarified when Baier asked if the Secretary was suggesting that international airports in sanctuary cities might lose their customs processing capabilities. While Mullin did not explicitly confirm an immediate removal of services, he indicated that the administration is moving toward a period of difficult resource allocation.
“We’re gonna have to start prioritizing things at some point,” Mullin responded, noting that he may be “forced to create hard decisions” regarding where federal assets are deployed. This suggests that the administration may consider relocating or reducing the presence of customs officials in non-cooperative jurisdictions.
Currently, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents operate at more than 300 ports of entry across the United States, including the nation’s largest international airports. Any reduction in these services would likely have profound effects on international trade, tourism, and the movement of people.
Political Tensions and Resource Allocation
Mullin linked these potential decisions to the broader political climate, specifically mentioning opposition from Democrats. He claimed that some members of the opposition are seeking to defund Customs and Border Protection, which he argues would further constrain the agency’s ability to process individuals arriving on international flights.
By framing the issue as one of resource prioritization, the DHS Secretary is positioning the cooperation of sanctuary cities as a matter of operational necessity. The administration’s stance is that federal agents cannot effectively manage the flow of people if local authorities actively undermine immigration enforcement once those individuals move beyond the airport’s perimeter.
Key Takeaways from Secretary Mullin’s Statements
- Targeting Sanctuary Cities: The DHS is considering actions against international airports in cities that refuse to cooperate with federal immigration authorities.
- Customs at Risk: The Secretary suggested that customs processing capabilities may be “prioritized” based on a city’s willingness to partner with the federal government.
- Enforcement Gap: Mullin expressed concern that individuals are processed at airports only to enter jurisdictions where immigration policy is not enforced.
- Resource Constraints: The DHS chief indicated that “hard decisions” regarding the deployment of CBP agents may be necessary.
As the administration continues to evaluate these partnerships, the potential for legal challenges from municipal governments remains high. The intersection of local sanctuary laws and federal customs authority is a complex legal territory that could lead to significant litigation if the DHS moves to restrict customs processing at major U.S. Gateways.
For the latest official updates on DHS policy and CBP operational changes, stakeholders are encouraged to monitor official Department of Homeland Security announcements.
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