- DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin warns he may stop processing international travelers at Newark Liberty International Airport as leverage against New Jersey's sanctuary policies.
- The threat marks an unprecedented escalation in federal-local tensions over immigration enforcement.
- Airlines and travel industry stakeholders brace for potential disruptions at one of the busiest U.S. airports.
Newark in the Crosshairs
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said the agency could soon halt processing of international travelers at Newark Liberty International Airport if New Jersey does not cooperate with federal immigration enforcement, according to an interview with Fox News. The remarks represent a sharp escalation in the ongoing clash between the Trump administration and sanctuary jurisdictions.
“If these cities want to refuse to detain criminal illegal aliens, then they can also deal with the consequences,” Mullin said, adding that “Newark is a candidate for losing its international processing capabilities entirely.” A DHS official confirmed that the agency is reviewing airport-level options, though no formal directive has been issued.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers currently process all arriving international passengers at Newark. Any halt would force airlines to reroute flights or suspend international operations at the airport, which handled over 14 million international travelers last year.
Industry and Political Reaction
The prospect of abruptly halting international processing drew swift criticism from airline groups and business leaders. “This would be catastrophic for travel and the regional economy,” said a spokesperson for a major carrier that operates transatlantic routes from Newark. “We are urging the administration to pursue dialogue rather than punitive measures.”
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka condemned the threat, calling it “political blackmail” and vowing that the city would not be intimidated. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy’s office said they had not been formally contacted by DHS and called for immediate talks to avoid disruptions.
Mullin’s comments come amid a broader push by the administration to penalize sanctuary cities, which limit local cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Past efforts have focused on withholding grants, but using airport processing as leverage is a new and aggressive tactic. A senior DHS official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the agency is “exploring a range of options” and that “everything is on the table.”
Potential Fallout
If implemented, the move could disrupt travel patterns, delay cargo shipments, and cost airlines millions. Newark is a major hub for United Airlines (UAL), which operates dozens of daily international flights there. A halt could push travelers to Philadelphia or John F. Kennedy airports, straining capacity elsewhere.
Immigration experts noted that any change would likely face immediate legal challenges. “Using immigration processing to punish a city for its sanctuary policies raises serious constitutional questions,” said a law professor specializing in immigration law. “The federal government has broad authority over ports of entry, but selectively shutting down one airport based on local policy disagreements is untested.”
Correction: An earlier version of this article misattributed the quote about ‘political blackmail’ to a state official. It was Mayor Baraka who made the statement.
Mullin’s office has not responded to requests for comment on specific timelines or next steps. The situation remains fluid, with stakeholders on all sides awaiting formal action from DHS.