U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin on Tuesday, April 7, issued a warning that international passenger processing at major airports in so-called “sanctuary cities” could be completely halted if those cities refuse to cooperate with the Trump administration’s strict immigration policies. Experts caution that such a move, if implemented, could have severe consequences for U.S. trade and tourism.
Speaking to reporters in North Carolina, Mullin said, “This is an option.” He added, “If a city says it will not enforce immigration policies, then it makes no sense to process international travellers through that city.” However, he clarified that no final decision has been made yet and that the matter will be discussed with President Trump.
If enforced, the measure could effectively halt international flights and commerce at major airports in Democratic-led states. According to a U.S. Department of Justice list from October 2025, sanctuary cities include Denver, Philadelphia, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, Newark, Seattle, and San Francisco—home to some of the country’s busiest
international airports. Last year alone, more than 5 million international passengers entered the U.S. through the three major airports in New York City.
The issue is further complicated by the upcoming FIFA World Cup, scheduled to begin in early June in the United States. Any disruption of international passenger processing at major airports could create significant challenges for World Cup logistics.
Mullin explained that the option is being considered amid ongoing funding gridlock in Congress over the Department of Homeland Security.
Since mid-February, Democrats have blocked additional funding for Trump’s immigration initiatives. Mullin pointed to this funding impasse as a primary reason for considering the measure. He also asserted that sanctuary cities’ policies of obstructing immigration enforcement are contrary to federal law and therefore completely illegal.
