The U.S. Travel Association is warning that recent threats made by the U.S. Homeland Security Department to remove U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers from Newark Liberty International Airport and other major hubs over immigration disputes "would cause immediate and lasting harm."
DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin expressed frustration this week that local police were not ensuring that federal immigration officials can enter and exit a New Jersey detention center, prompting Mullin to warn that he could reassign customs officials from Newark.
"If (Customs) isn't there processing international flights, then those individuals when the airlines land won't be permitted into the United States," Mullin told Fox News.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche called it an "extreme" option, but one that must be considered. "We have to talk about all of our options. The answer will ultimately be what makes the most sense and what does President Trump think we should do about this," he told Fox News.
In a statement issued Friday, U.S. Travel said such a move would affect Americans traveling home from abroad more than international visitors, but could be compounded by the timing, which coincides with the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicking off in less than two weeks.
"The overall economic impact to the travel industry would be devastating—an estimated $8 billion in annual international visitor spending would be lost due to CBP officers being removed from Newark Airport, risking nearly 50,000 American jobs," said U.S. Travel.
"But the fallout would also go far beyond travel. A recent survey found more than three-quarters of international visitors shopped at American small businesses during their visit, and the shutdown would imperil cargo operations that bring in over $30 billion in imported goods each year, increasing shipping costs for U.S. businesses and raising prices for American consumers," the group added.
"Pulling CBP officers from airports would cause a severe, self-inflicted economic wound. American citizens trying to get home, international visitors, and the success of a once-in-a-generation global event cannot be used as leverage—as a threat, a punishment or a catalyst for negotiation—in disputes over immigration. We urge all parties to find solutions for disputes over immigration policy without impacting travel," U.S. Travel concluded.
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