Potential Impact on U.S. Travel Industry by Sanctuary City Airport Threat
The U.S. travel industry is expressing serious concerns after Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin reiterated threats to withdraw U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers from airports in so-called “sanctuary cities.” This move could potentially jeopardize international flights and have a devastating impact on tourism.
The U.S. Travel Association confirmed that Secretary Mullin is considering withdrawing CBP officers. This was during a meeting where the trade group voiced their concerns about proposals that could hamper travel. The association warned that “such a move would have devastating consequences for the travel industry and communities that depend on international visitation.”
Major airlines and industry groups were quick to condemn the proposal. Even Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy expressed skepticism, telling a Congressional hearing: “We shouldn’t shut down air travel in a state that doesn’t agree with our politics.” Duffy emphasized that people from around the world and across the country need to fly to different places regardless of political differences.
The proposal has created uncertainty within the Trump administration itself, with officials offering conflicting views on the feasibility and wisdom of such restrictions. While President Donald Trump has previously threatened to withhold funding from sanctuary cities, this latest proposal targeting airport operations represents an unprecedented escalation that could directly impact millions of international travelers and billions in tourism revenue.
Source: https://lasvegassun.com/news/2026/may/24/travel-industry-worries-after-trump-administration/