The Department of Homeland Security is considering withdrawing Customs and Border Protection officers from airports located in sanctuary cities, including Newark Airport. This potential action has raised concerns across the travel sector about its impact on airport operations and international travel processes.
Travel Industry Raises Alarm on Financial and Operational Impact
Industry representatives estimate that the removal of customs officers from these key airports could put $8 billion in annual travel revenue at risk. This figure underscores the significant dependency of airport hubs in sanctuary cities on customs operations for efficient traveler processing and revenue generation.
The absence of Customs and Border Protection personnel at airports such as Newark
may lead to delays in customs clearance and cause operational disruptions. Such consequences could affect the flow of international travelers and complicate logistics at these major transportation centers.








