Reuters, citing sources, reported that Homeland Security Secretary Mark Weir would have privately warned that major U.S. airports in "sanctuary cities" that refuse to cooperate with the Trump administration's tough immigration enforcement could have their international passenger and cargo processing halted.

These remarks are said to have been made by Secretary Weir during a private meeting on Wednesday, the 13th, with travel industry executives from the U.S. Travel Association at the Department of Homeland Security headquarters in Washington D.C.

Weir, who had publicly issued threats during a Department of Homeland Security budget dispute in April, warned travel industry executives privately last week that the department might halt entry and cargo clearance procedures for international travelers at several major airports.

This includes facilities in Denver, Philadelphia, Chicago (O'Hare), Los Angeles (LAX), New York City (JFK), Newark, Seattle, San Francisco (SFO), Portland, and Washington Dulles International Airport.

The Atlantic reported on Thursday, the 21st, that the Department of Homeland Security is actively pursuing plans to restrict international flights at airports in "sanctuary cities" by reducing or withdrawing Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel.

Industry officials also reportedly warned that this measure, which could potentially be implemented after the 2026 World Cup, could cause critical disruptions to air passenger and cargo transport.

Sanctuary jurisdictions refer to cities and counties that have adopted policies limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement agencies. Typically, these policies involve refusing to honor Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainment requests without a warrant, or limiting the extent to which local law enforcement will assist in identifying or transferring undocumented immigrants to federal detention facilities.

Supporters argue that these policies are in place to maintain trust between immigrant communities and local police, allowing residents to report crimes without fear of immigration-related repercussions. Critics, however, counter that these policies can hinder the federal government's efforts to enforce immigration laws.

During the Trump administration, "sanctuary policies" became a recurring point of contention between the White House and local governments, with officials repeatedly threatening to withhold federal funding or take legal action against jurisdictions that did not cooperate more actively with immigration enforcement requests.

It is theoretically possible for the Department of Homeland Security to actually pursue this plan. This is because U.S. border control, immigration, and customs clearance are the exclusive authority of the federal government.

If Secretary Weir were to actually attempt to withdraw CBP personnel from major hub airports, it appears clear that state governments like New York or California, and airlines, would immediately file for injunctive relief in court.

Article I, Section 9, Clause 6 of the U.S. Constitution states that "no preference shall be given by any Regulation of Commerce or Revenue to the Ports of one State over those of another." This is a reason why a constitutional challenge could be filed.

A lawsuit for violation of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) would also be possible, in which case the court would review whether the Department of Homeland Security's decision is "arbitrary, capricious, or an abuse of discretion."

The Atlantic, citing sources, reported that even if the government were to push this plan, it is expected to be possible only after July 2026, when the FIFA World Cup, held across North America, concludes.

As of now, the political and industry circles alike understand Secretary Weir's remarks as a political bargaining chip.

By Sung Ku Hong, Chief Editor of NNP USA / Special Correspondent for this paper NNP info@newsandpost.com