Mullin Weighs Airport Customs Leverage Against Sanctuary Cities

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin announced on Tuesday that all affected employees will receive back pay by the end of the week for the past six weeks of government shutdown. According to CBS News, Mullin, who was traveling in Chimney Rock, North Carolina, stated that most payments would be processed by Friday, with some financial institutions possibly waiting until Monday.

The secretary emphasized that these payments are made possible through executive action and existing funding flexibility but warned that future payroll for non-law enforcement DHS employees depends entirely on Congress. Mullin criticized Democrats for the delay, accusing them of defunding 22 agencies tasked with keeping the homeland safe (CBS News). Despite the shutdown, Mullin praised DHS employees for their dedication in continuing to report to work without pay.

The Guardian reported that during his visit to North Carolina, Mullin called for a fundamental shift in the role of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), arguing that states and local governments should lead disaster response. He toured areas affected by Hurricane Helene and highlighted federal recovery efforts. Mullin also rescinded a rule requiring personal approval of contracts over $100,000, which had been criticized for slowing down FEMA's response.

In a move that could impact U.S. trade and tourism, Reuters reported that Mullin suggested customs officials might stop processing international travelers at major airports in 'sanctuary cities' that have declined to cooperate with the Trump administration's immigration crackdown. This decision could affect over 50 million international travelers who arrived at New York airports alone last year and have significant implications for the upcoming FIFA World Cup. Mullin argued that state and city policies limiting immigration enforcement are illegal because they contradict federal laws.

Fox News reported that Mullin signaled closer scrutiny of customs operations at major international airports located in sanctuary jurisdictions, questioning their efficacy. He suggested that if sanctuary cities are not enforcing immigration policies, there may be no reason to process international travelers through those cities. Mullin also warned that sanctuary cities might be at risk under his leadership, claiming they are unlawful.

According to Fox News, Mullin proposed stopping customs processing at airports in sanctuary cities as a way to pressure them on immigration enforcement. This move could effectively lock out global travelers from major cities like New York, New Orleans, and Philadelphia, placing a damper on incoming commerce and economic benefits that could directly affect those cities’ business environments and tax bases. Mullin told Fox News' 'Special Report' that as sanctuary cities refuse to cooperate with DHS to enforce immigration law, the agency may need to consider that when providing services to those cities.

Mullin added that with Democrats continuing the partial shutdown of his agency, something must give. 'We are going to have to start prioritizing things at some point,' he said (Fox News). The secretary emphasized that he is not trying to push any positions outside of his congressionally mandated bounds but is simply trying to convince all municipalities to partner with his agency.