DHS threatens to halt international flights at SFO
sfchronicle.com • • nation
Key Points:
- Department of Homeland Security Secretary Mullin is considering halting federal customs processing at airports in sanctuary cities that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities, potentially stopping international travel at major hubs like San Francisco International Airport (SFO).
- Mullin questioned whether sanctuary cities should continue to receive customs processing services if they do not enforce immigration policies after passengers leave the airport.
- This proposal represents a significant escalation in the Trump administration’s conflict with Democratic-led cities and could force airlines to reroute thousands of international flights daily.
- California Governor Newsom criticized the idea, warning it would severely impact the economy and international travel at some of the busiest airports.
- Mullin’s remarks were made amid a partial government shutdown over DHS funding, with the secretary blaming Democrats for the impasse and signaling tough decisions ahead regarding cooperation with local jurisdictions.
