The move comes just weeks before Seattle expects to draw 750,000 people to six World Cup matches.
SEATTLE — A Trump administration proposal to withdraw customs officers from airports in cities including Seattle could disrupt international travel at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport as the region prepares to host FIFA World Cup matches, according to travel industry groups.
On Tuesday, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said on Fox News that the administration is considering stopping customs and immigration processing at airports in cities that do not cooperate with federal immigration enforcement efforts.
KING 5 News has reached out to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport for comment.
Seattle is among the cities identified by the Justice Department last year as a so-called sanctuary jurisdiction. Washington state was also included on the department’s list.
No changes have been put into place. Mullin said this week that the administration is drawing up plans, and Reuters reported Thursday that he specifically warned processing could soon stop at Newark airport if local policies do not change.
The proposal comes as Seattle prepares to host six World Cup matches over a three-week stretch next month. An estimated 750,000 visitors are expected to travel to the region for the tournament.
Pulling U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers from an airport would prevent international travelers from being processed upon arrival, Mullin told Fox News.
Such a move at an airport serving Seattle could affect international visitors arriving for World Cup events.
The U.S. Travel Association said Mullin confirmed during a meeting with the group that the administration is considering withdrawing CBP officers from airports. The association warned that the proposal would have “devastating consequences for the travel industry and communities that depend on international visitation.”
Airlines for America, which represents major U.S. airlines, also warned against reducing customs staffing at airports.
“Reducing [Customs and Border Protection] staffing at major airports would have a devastating effect on the airline and tourism industries, causing a significant operational disruption to carriers, travelers and the flow of international cargo,” the group said.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy told a congressional hearing this week that he was not familiar with Mullin’s comments, but said restricting travel because of political disagreements would be a bad idea.
“We have people from around the world and around the country that need to be able to fly into all different kinds of places. We shouldn’t shut down air travel in a state that doesn’t agree with our politics,” Duffy said.
Seattle officials and law enforcement agencies have been preparing for years for the arrival of the World Cup.
The city plans to deploy more than 450 police officers across the event footprint, while more than 200 King County sheriff’s deputies are expected to work each match day.
The tournament will also bring large crowds to Lumen Field, fan celebration areas and public transit systems throughout the region.
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