World

DHS reiterates it could suspend international travel at some airports in 'sanctuary cities,' sources say

By Reuters Reuters
U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin visits the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool as it undergoes renovations, in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 7, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin visits the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool as it undergoes renovations, in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 7, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper Kylie Cooper Reuters

WASHINGTON - Homeland Security Department Secretary Markwayne Mullin privately warned officials could stop processing international travelers and cargo at major U.S. airports in "sanctuary cities" that have declined to cooperate with the Trump administration's hardline immigration crackdown, sources told Reuters.

Mullin, who publicly made the threat in April during a DHS funding dispute, privately told travel executives last week that the department could opt to stop processing international travelers at airports such as Denver, Philadelphia, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, Newark, Seattle and San Francisco.

The Atlantic earlier reported Mullin's comments to travel executives.

(Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Chris Reese)

Copyright Reuters or USA Today Network via Reuters Connect.

This story was originally published May 21, 2026 at 2:54 PM.

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