The move comes just weeks before Seattle is expected to draw 750,000 people for six World Cup games.
SEATTLE — The Trump administration is proposing to withdraw customs officers from airports in cities like Seattle, potentially disrupting 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 fox news says The government is considering halting customs and immigration processing at city airports that do not cooperate with federal immigration enforcement efforts.
KING 5 News has reached out to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport for comment.
Seattle is one of the cities Last year, the Ministry of Justice determined that as a so-called sanctuary jurisdiction. Washington state is also on the department’s list.
No changes have been made yet. Mullin said this week that the government was working on a plan and Reuters reported on Thursday In particular, he warned that processing at Newark Airport could soon cease if local policies don’t change.
The proposal is as Seattle prepares to host six World Cup games It will last more than three weeks next month. An estimated 750,000 visitors are expected to travel to the area to watch the games.
Marin told Fox News that removing U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers from airports would prevent international travelers from being processed upon arrival.
The move by Seattle Airport could affect international visitors coming to watch World Cup events.
this The U.S. Travel Association said Marin confirmed at a meeting with the group that the administration is considering withdrawing U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers from airports. The association warned that the proposal would have “devastating consequences for the tourism industry and communities that rely on international tourists”.
American Airlines represents the major U.S. airlines, Also warned against reducing customs staffing At the airport.
“reduce [Customs and Border Protection] Staffing at major airports will have a devastating impact on the aviation and tourism industries, causing significant operational disruption to airlines, passengers and international cargo flows,” the group said.
Transport 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 differences would be a bad idea.
“We have people coming from all over the world and all over the country and they need to be able to fly to all kinds of different places. We shouldn’t be shutting down air travel in a state that disagrees with our politics,” Duffy said.
Seattle officials and law enforcement agencies have been preparing for the World Cup for years.
City plans to deploy more than 450 police officers More than 200 King County Sheriff’s deputies are expected to work each game day.
The match will also bring large crowds to the Lumen Stadium, fan celebration areas and public transport systems across the region.
