DHS Head’s First Proposal Has Dems Terrified

DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin threatens to cripple international airports in sanctuary cities by pulling customs officers, igniting a fierce battle over immigration enforcement.

Story Snapshot

Mullin proposes removing customs from airports like LAX and JFK in retaliation for sanctuary policies.
Proposal follows partial DHS shutdown and Mullin’s contentious March 24, 2026, swearing-in.
Affects major hubs processing millions of travelers monthly, risking chaos for airlines and commerce.
Frames sanctuary cities as unlawful, prioritizing federal resources for cooperative jurisdictions.
Remains exploratory amid funding constraints and legal uncertainties.

Mullin’s Fox News Proposal Targets Sanctuary Airports

Markwayne Mullin, sworn in as DHS Secretary on March 24, 2026, unveiled his plan during an April 7 Fox News “Special Report” interview with Bret Baier. He stated DHS would examine pulling customs and immigration officers from airports in sanctuary cities. These cities, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, and San Francisco, refuse federal cooperation on deportations. Mullin called such policies unlawful, arguing federal resources must focus on willing partners. This marks his first major policy signal post-confirmation.

Timeline Traces Funding Crisis to Retaliatory Threat

A partial DHS funding lapse hit February 14, 2026, after Democrats demanded immigration enforcement curbs. Senate funding later covered most DHS through September but skipped ICE and parts of CBP. Mullin’s confirmation faced fire from Senator Rand Paul, who deemed him unfit. Amid these constraints, Mullin justified reprioritizing customs staffing. He warned, “We’re going to have to start prioritizing things,” directly linking Democratic budget moves to his airport strategy. This escalates federal-local clashes.

Los Angeles International Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport top potential targets. JFK alone processes about 3 million customs clearances monthly. Removing officers would strand international arrivals, delaying U.S. citizens and visitors alike.

Stakeholders Face Direct Economic Blows

Sanctuary cities risk operational meltdown without customs processing, hammering airlines, tourism, and trade. International travelers endure hours-long backups or reroutes. Port authorities scramble to manage fallout. Trump administration backs Mullin, viewing sanctuary defiance as nullifying federal authority. Democratic lawmakers, who sparked the shutdown, now confront blowback from their funding tactics. Common sense dictates cities undermining national security forfeit perks like seamless global access.

Mullin questioned processing international customs for cities that ignore immigration post-arrival. “We need to focus on cities that want to work with us,” he said. This logic aligns with conservative principles of accountability—local obstruction invites consequences. Airlines and hospitality sectors in affected Democratic strongholds face revenue dives, forcing quick policy rethink.

Short-Term Chaos Looms with Long-Term Shifts

Implementation promises immediate traveler delays and airport gridlock. Airlines halt international flights, crippling commerce. Long-term, air travel reroutes nationwide, challenging federal power over local policies. Legal battles brew over weaponizing customs, though sources lack expert verdicts. Escalated tensions could reshape immigration debates. Limited responses from cities and airlines leave impacts speculative but severe. Mullin’s review proceeds without timelines.

Senator Paul’s pre-confirmation jab at Mullin lacks airport-specific ties. Sanctuary officials stay silent in reports, underscoring proposal’s shock value.