The Trump administration is reportedly considering halting immigration processing services at airports in sanctuary cities. According to multiple sources, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin announced during an interview with Fox News that the administration is drawing up plans to take this action.
Key Takeaways
The Trump administration is considering halting immigration processing at airports in sanctuary cities. The move comes amid protests against conditions at an ICE facility in Newark.
- DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin announced plans to stop processing international flights in sanctuary cities
- Protests and a hunger strike at Delaney Hall ICE detention center have escalated tensions between Democrats and the Trump administration
- Mullin accused Democratic lawmakers of spreading smears about ICE and engaging in political stunts
This move comes amid escalating tensions between Democratic politicians and the Trump administration over conditions at immigrant detention facilities. For the past five days, hundreds of immigrants detained at Delaney Hall ICE detention facility in Newark have been engaged in a hunger strike, demanding improved conditions, medical care, and for their immigration cases to move forward.
The protests outside the facility escalated on Tuesday evening when Immigration officials clashed with protesters. According to The Guardian, ICE officers deployed pepper spray and Tasers during these clashes. On Monday, US senator Andy Kim was pepper-sprayed by ICE officers while trying to defuse the situation.
Mullin accused Democratic politicians of spreading smears about ICE and engaging in political stunts. He questioned the provision of federal immigration services at Newark Liberty International Airport while Democratic lawmakers were showing up and joining demonstrators criticizing conditions inside Delaney Hall. According to HuffPost, Mullin claimed that DHS requests for assistance from local police were ignored.
The U.S. Travel Association has expressed concern over the potential impact of this move on the travel industry. More than 50 million international travelers arrived at New York airports alone last year, and reducing customs staffing could disrupt operations significantly for carriers, travelers, and the flow of international cargo. According to Reuters, Mullin confirmed his previous comments that the administration is considering a withdrawal of CBP officers from international airports in certain sanctuary cities.
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