The Trump administration could soon stop processing international travelers and cargo at Newark Liberty International Airport after the Department of Homeland Security said local law enforcement in northern New Jersey were not assisting federal immigration officials.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said Thursday on Fox News that the administration may take action “pretty quick” if conditions do not change.
Mullin said local police were not ensuring that federal immigration officials could enter and exit a New Jersey detention center. He warned the administration could reassign customs officials away from Newark airport.
“If Customs isn’t there processing international flights, then those individuals when the airlines land won’t be permitted into the United States,” Mullin said.
On Tuesday, Mullin said the administration was preparing plans to stop processing international travelers and cargo at major U.S. airports located in so-called sanctuary cities that have declined to cooperate with the federal immigration crackdown.
The proposal could halt international air travel and cargo processing at airports in several Democratic-led cities ahead of next month’s 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The tournament final is scheduled for July 19 in East Rutherford, around 12 miles from Newark airport.
Reuters and other media previously reported that Mullin privately told travel industry executives the department could stop customs and immigration processing for international travelers at major airports.
The Justice Department also published a list of sanctuary cities and states that included major airport hubs such as Boston, Denver, Philadelphia, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, Seattle and San Francisco.
Democrats said reforms were needed to address alleged abuses involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection, including the deaths of two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis in January.
The U.S. Travel Association said halting international travel at major airports would have devastating consequences for the travel industry and local communities dependent on overseas visitors. Any disruption to international processing at Newark could also affect airlines, airport operations, tourism spending and cargo activity tied to one of the busiest international travel corridors in the United States. Newark serves as a major hub for United Airlines and handles millions of international passengers each year.
More than 50 million international travelers arrived through the three major New York-area airports last year.
