US draws up plans to halt immigration, customs processing at 'sanctuary…
The Trump administration is preparing contingency plans to suspend immigration and customs processing at airports in cities that refuse to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement, according to internal documents reviewed by Reuters. The plans would affect major hubs including New York's JFK, Los Angeles International, and Chicago O'Hare if local officials continue policies that limit coordination with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The proposal marks an escalation in the standoff between the federal government and so-called sanctuary jurisdictions, which have enacted policies restricting local law enforcement from assisting ICE with immigration enforcement. More than 200 cities and counties across the United States have adopted some form of sanctuary policy since 2017, creating friction with federal authorities who argue these policies obstruct deportation efforts and endanger public safety.
Under the draft plans, Customs and Border Protection officers would halt processing of international arrivals at targeted airports, effectively shutting down international travel through those facilities. The documents do not specify a timeline for implementation but indicate the measures would be triggered if local governments fail to reverse sanctuary policies within a designated compliance period. The plans also outline potential reductions in CBP staffing at affected airports, which would force airlines to reroute international flights to airports in jurisdictions that cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.
The proposed action would directly impact foreign nationals with valid visas attempting to enter the United States through affected airports, as well as U.S. citizens and permanent residents returning from international travel. Canadian travelers transiting through major U.S. hubs to reach other destinations would face significant disruption if flights are rerouted. Business travelers, students, and temporary workers holding valid U.S. work permits could find their entry points suddenly unavailable.
Travelers with upcoming international flights through JFK, LAX, O'Hare, or other airports in sanctuary jurisdictions should monitor airline communications closely for potential route changes. Those with connecting flights through these hubs may want to consider alternative routing through airports in states that cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. Canadian permanent residents and citizens planning U.S. travel should verify their port of entry remains operational before departure.