DHS warns Newark international flights and cargo could be halted

U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said the administration is considering plans that could stop immigration and customs processing of international passengers and cargo at major airports in so-called “sanctuary cities,” including Newark. The comments have drawn attention for their potential to disrupt international travel and trade.

According to Reuters reporting, Mullin cited a list of airport hubs that could be affected — naming cities such as New York/Newark, Los Angeles, Chicago, Denver, Philadelphia, Seattle and San Francisco — and said discussions with White House officials have taken place though no final decision has been announced. The proposal was also reportedly raised in private meetings with travel industry executives.

Industry groups warned of severe operational consequences if customs and immigration staffing were reduced. Airlines and cargo carriers told officials that rerouting international arrivals and freight is not straightforward and that reducing processing capacity could have a “devastating” effect on carriers, tourism and the flow of international commerce, particularly ahead of major summer events.

Operationally, withdrawing or scaling back processing at major international gateways would likely lead to flight cancellations, diversion of widebody aircraft, bottlenecks in freight handling and increased pressure on alternative hubs. The move raises legal and intergovernmental questions about federal-state responsibilities and could trigger litigation or emergency coordination efforts if implemented.

Analysts say markets and logistics providers will monitor the situation closely; should a formal decision be taken, short-term volatility in airline equities and freight rates is possible, alongside broader supply-chain knock-on effects. For now, officials emphasize that plans are still under review and any operational change would be implemented only after further consideration.