Mullin faces backlash over ‘naive or dumb’ plan to pull CBP from blue-city airports

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin announced plans to withdraw U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers from airports in sanctuary cities, citing protests that hindered operations at a New Jersey detention facility. The proposal, made during a Fox News appearance, aims to penalize cities where local officials allegedly obstruct federal immigration enforcement. Experts and industry leaders condemned the plan as impractical and harmful. Juliette Kayyem, a former Obama administration official, called it 'shockingly naive or dumb,' arguing that removing CBP from major international airports would stall flights for all Americans, not just those in blue cities. Airlines for America warned of 'devastating' operational disruptions, including flight cancellations and cargo delays, due to the interconnected nature of global and domestic travel. Mullin’s plan targets cities where local authorities restrict cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. He argued that if cities block CBP access to detention facilities, they should not host international flights. However, CBP officers at airports primarily verify travel documentation, a role already partially fulfilled by airlines before departure. Critics highlight the logistical nightmare of rerouting flights, as many international arrivals connect to domestic legs. Aaron Reichlin-Melnick of the American Immigration Council noted that canceling international flights would force travelers to take alternative domestic routes, creating broader travel disruptions. The proposal remains under review, with no immediate action taken by the department.