The Department of Homeland Security is considering removing Customs and Border Protection officers from international airports in so-called sanctuary cities.It is unclear how the plan would be implemented, as many U.S. airports are located in Democratic-led cities. Last year, the Department of Justice released a list of jurisdictions it considers sanctuaries for migrants in the country illegally.The DOJ says those cities and states impede the enforcement of federal immigration laws. Many of these jurisdictions argue they are under no obligation to assist federal authorities with immigration violations, such as expired visas and work permits.RELATED STORY | JFK airport begins Ebola health screening for travelers returning from central AfricaCities on the list include Chicago, San Francisco, Seattle, Los Angeles and New York all home to some of the nations busiest international airports.We are currently drawing up plans to say, listen, these sanctuary cities where radical left Democrats arent allowing us to do our job and enforce federal laws we shouldnt be processing international flights into their cities, either, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said in a Fox News interview. They dont want us to enforce immigration.Indiana Sen. Jim Banks told Fox News he supports the measure, saying it could benefit states such as Texas and Indiana.I think Markwayne is onto something here; its a good idea, Banks said. It is one way we can crack down on what these mayors have created.Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy pushed back, testifying before Congress last week.We have people from around the world that need to be able to fly into all different kinds of places, Duffy said. We shouldnt shut down air travel in a state that doesnt agree with our politics.RELATED STORY | DOJ identifies 35 sanctuary jurisdictions in immigration crackdownThe U.S. Travel Association also opposes the proposal, as many international passengers enter the U.S. for the World Cup.Pulling CBP officers from airports would cause a severe, self-inflicted economic wound, the organization said. American citizens trying to get home, international visitors, and the success of a once-in-a-generation global event cannot be used as leverage in disputes over immigration policy. We urge all parties to find solutions without impacting travel.In 2025, there were more than 1.8 million international flights carrying 259 million passengers. New Yorks JFK was the busiest U.S. airport for international travel, followed by Los Angeles, Miami and San Francisco. ...read more read less