Customs Processing at Sanctuary City Airports Under Review, Could Face Major Restrictions

WASHINGTON — The Department of Homeland Security is actively considering suspending or significantly restricting Customs and Border Protection (CBP) processing at major airports located in sanctuary cities, a move that could create substantial delays for international travelers and economic pressure on those jurisdictions.

The potential policy shift would primarily affect large international hubs such as New York’s JFK and LaGuardia, Chicago’s O’Hare, Los Angeles International (LAX), San Francisco International, and others in cities with sanctuary policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Officials are weighing reduced staffing at primary inspection lanes, slower processing times, or in more extreme scenarios, temporary redirection of certain international flights to cooperating airports.

This review is part of the Trump administration’s broader effort to enforce immigration laws consistently across the country. Administration sources argue that cities choosing not to cooperate with ICE detainers or information sharing should not receive the full benefits of seamless federal customs operations, which facilitate billions of dollars in tourism, business travel, and cargo activity.

If implemented, the changes would not affect domestic flights but would primarily impact international arrivals. Major economic consequences could follow for sanctuary cities that depend heavily on global connectivity. Airport authorities in affected areas have warned that even moderate delays could cost local economies millions in lost revenue, harm tourism, and reduce competitiveness for conventions and business events.

The proposal comes amid heightened enforcement actions, including expanded interior removals and tightened asylum rules. It reflects the administration’s view that sanctuary policies create uneven application of federal law and encourage illegal immigration.

Sanctuary city officials have denounced the idea as retaliatory and harmful to residents and businesses. However, supporters of the measure argue it is a lawful exercise of federal authority to ensure uniform enforcement and to incentivize cooperation from local governments.

No final decision has been made, but the review is advancing quickly. The outcome could significantly alter travel experiences at some of the nation’s busiest airports while increasing pressure on sanctuary jurisdictions to align with federal immigration priorities.