Travel industry warns of DHS customs pull from airports

A proposal by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to potentially withdraw customs officers from major international airports is drawing intense warnings from the travel industry, with Newark Liberty International Airport emerging as an initial focus. The plan, which remains under consideration, could disrupt passenger travel and cargo shipments nationwide.

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin has suggested reallocating Customs and Border Protection personnel from airports in jurisdictions that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, often referred to as sanctuary cities. He specifically cited challenges in northern New Jersey, stating that local police were not ensuring federal immigration officials could access a detention facility. If things don't change, we're going to have to make this step pretty quick, Mullin said in a televised interview, warning that without customs processing, international travelers arriving at affected airports would not be permitted to enter the United States.

The travel industry reacted swiftly, arguing that even a limited implementation would cause severe operational and economic damage. A coalition of...