The U.S. travel industry has issued a stark warning, stating that removing immigration officials from Newark Liberty International Airport would inflict “immediate and lasting harm” and could cost the American economy an estimated $8 billion annually in tourist spending.
This comes as the head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security threatened to halt the processing of international travelers and cargo at the major New Jersey hub.
Secretary Markwayne Mullin indicated on Thursday that the administration could soon implement this drastic measure, citing a lack of assistance from local law enforcement for federal immigration officials in northern New Jersey.
“If things don’t change, we’re going to have to make this step pretty quick,” Mullin told Fox News, referring to the critical United Airlines hub.
He specifically complained that local police were not ensuring federal immigration officials could access and exit a New Jersey detention center, warning he might reassign customs officials from the airport.
“If (Customs) isn’t there processing international flights, then those individuals, when the airlines land, won’t be permitted into the United States,” Mullin added.
The U.S. Travel Association underscored the potential fallout, noting that U.S. customs officials at Newark process five million Americans returning home each year.
The group cautioned, “Millions of international visitors will face the same disruption, and with the FIFA World Cup weeks away, the damage to America’s reputation as a welcoming destination would be significant and lasting.”
U.S. airlines are reportedly taking the threat very seriously, engaging with administration officials and lawmakers over the potentially devastating impact of suspending flights. United Airlines declined to comment on the situation.
Later, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche acknowledged on Fox News that while stopping flight processing at airports in sanctuary cities was an “extreme” option, it was one that needed to be considered.
