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Industry Warns of Risks if DHS Removes Customs Officers at Sanctuary Airports

Industry Warns of Risks if DHS Removes Customs Officers at Sanctuary Airports
Image: Airliner photos in context, part 3. United Boeing 777-200, N784UA, at SFO P1013531 by wbaiv via flickr, by-sa

The Department of Homeland Security is evaluating plans to remove Customs and Border Protection officers from several airport locations designated as sanctuary cities, including San Francisco International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport. This proposal has raised concerns among travel industry representatives about the potential operational impacts at these major hubs.

Industry groups caution that scaling back customs staffing at these airports could jeopardize as much as $8 billion in travel-related revenue. They also warn that travelers might face increased delays and service interruptions if customs facilities are undermanned or curtailed. While exact details and timelines of any such DHS

actions remain unclear, the travel sector is emphasizing the significant risks associated with reduced customs presence in these key gateway airports.