Trump’s New DHS Secretary Sounds Like He’s About to Drop the Hammer on Sanctuary Cities [WATCH]

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin outlined potential federal responses to sanctuary city policies during an exchange with Bret Baier, raising questions about how cities that decline to cooperate with immigration enforcement could be impacted.

The discussion centered on sanctuary jurisdictions and their role in federal immigration policy enforcement, particularly in cities that operate major international airports.

Baier framed the issue by pointing to ongoing tensions between federal authorities and local governments.

“You know the issue here is that you have states and cities that are sanctuary states and cities, and that’s part of the issue. It’s part of the problem. We saw it in Minnesota. How do you get around that?” he asked.

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Mullin responded by challenging the legal standing of sanctuary policies and signaling that the federal government is reviewing possible actions.

“Well, I believe sanctuary cities is not lawful. I don’t think they’re able to do that,” he said.

He indicated that one area under consideration involves airport operations in cities that do not cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.

“And so we’re going to take a hard look at this. This one area we may take a hard look at is some of these. Some of these cities have international airports,” Mullin said.

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Mullin raised the possibility that cities receiving international flights while declining to enforce immigration policies could face consequences tied to federal resources.

“If they’re sanctuary cities, should they really be processing customs into into their city? Seriously?” he said.

He expanded on that point, describing what he views as a disconnect between federal and local practices.

“If they’re sanctuary city and they’re receiving international flights, and we’re asking them to partner with us at the airport, but once they walk out of the airport, they’re not going to enforce immigration policy. Maybe we need to have a really hard look at that, because we need to focus on cities that want to work with us,” Mullin said.

Baier followed up by asking whether that could result in major cities losing customs processing capabilities.

“So you’re saying that big cities that are sanctuary, cities that have a big airport, they might lose their customs?” he asked.

Mullin did not confirm a specific policy change but emphasized that prioritization decisions may be necessary.

“Well, I’m saying we’re gonna have to start prioritizing things at some point,” he said.

He also referenced broader political disagreements over immigration enforcement funding.

“Right now, remember, the Democrats are wanting defund custom Border Patrol. Well, who processes those individuals and they walk off the plane?” Mullin said.

Mullin stated that federal authorities may be required to make decisions based on cooperation from local governments.

“So I’m gonna have to be forced to make hard decisions. Who’s willing to work with us and partner with us?” he said.

He added that any actions would remain within the framework of existing law.

“Once again, I’m not going outside the policies that Congress passed for me, and we’re not trying to push those, but we’re saying you got to partner with us,” Mullin said.

Earlier in the exchange, Mullin emphasized his broader goal of public safety, stating, “To keep your state as safe as my state.”

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