DHS Renews Threat to Cut Airport Customs in Certain Cities (1)

May 21, 2026, 9:37 PM UTC

The US Department of Homeland Security has threatened to curtail customs processing at airports in so-called sanctuary cities in order to bring them in line with the Trump administration’s immigration policies.

Removing US Customs and Border Protection staff that handle passport control and inspect luggage of international travelers would force airlines to cancel or re-route some flights. If enacted, the move stands to affect some of the busiest airports in the country, including John F. Kennedy International and Newark Liberty International in the New York metropolitan area, as well as Washington Dulles International Airport.

“Reducing CBP staffing at major airports ...

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