US planning to halt immigration at 'sanctuary city' airports

Key Points:

• The Trump administration, led by Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, is considering plans to halt immigration and customs processing at major airports in Democratic-run "sanctuary cities," which would effectively suspend international passenger and cargo arrivals in those locations.
• Sanctuary cities, mostly governed by Democrats, have resisted cooperating with federal immigration enforcement efforts, prompting the administration's crackdown that includes deploying ICE agents and National Guard troops to several cities.
• The proposed suspension of processing at these airports has raised serious concerns from the travel industry, with groups like the US Travel Association and Airlines for America warning of severe operational disruptions and economic harm.
• Opposition to the plan also exists within the Trump administration, with Transport Secretary Sean Duffy arguing that restricting travel based on political disagreements would be detrimental and counterproductive.
• The potential disruption comes as millions of foreign tourists are expected for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, intensifying worries about the economic and logistical impact of such immigration enforcement measures.