DHS Secretary Mullin threatens to pull CBP from sanctuary city airports
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin’s proposal to remove Customs and Border Protection officers from sanctuary city airports is met with mixed reactions. This controversial plan, aimed at cities hindering federal immigration enforcement, could significantly disrupt international air travel and cargo. Senator Jim Banks backs the idea, while Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy expresses strong opposition, emphasizing the need for open travel.
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Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has broken staffing records this spring, the agency announced, reaching 21,471 agents — the most in the agency’s 102-year history.
Agency leadership has said it has plans to go further.
“Surpassing 21,000 agents is a milestone, but we aren’t stopping here and are committed to growing our workforce and providing the tools and resources needed for CBP’s mission,” Human Resources Management Assistant Commissioner Andrea Bright said in a statement to Fox News Digital.
The staffing record adds another benchmark for assessing the seriousness with which the Trump administration is addressing border security.
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President Donald Trump speaks during a Medal of Honor Ceremony in the East Room of the White House in Washington, D.C., on June 18, 2026. The ceremony honors Capers, an 88-year-old Vietnam veteran, along with Colonel John W. Ripley, U.S. Marine Corps (posthumous), and Major Nicholas Dockery, U.S. Army (retired). (Al Drago/Getty Images)
Already, immigration levels have dropped precipitously in President Donald Trump’s first year and a half back in office, decreasing more than 87% from levels in October 2024.
But Republicans in Congress have also shored up those efforts by flooding the agency with cash through Trump’s signature Big Beautiful Bill as well as recent efforts to fund the Department of Homeland Security through the end of the administration.
The two bills included $64 billion and $26 billion for CBP, respectively. A large portion of the second bill is set aside for agency manpower.
BORDER PATROL COULD FACE KEY RECRUITMENT CHANGE AS CONGRESS DEBATES NEXT IMMIGRATION MOVES
President Donald Trump displays the signed Secure America Act in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., on June 10, 2026, as members of Congress applaud. The $70 billion package funds Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations through the end of Trump’s term in fiscal year 2029. Rep. Tom Suozzi, D-N.Y., voted with every congressional Democrat against the package. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)
“Our focus is on bringing in top talent and supporting our agents so they can succeed,” Bright said.
In order to reach its personnel goals, the agency has worked to include competitive salaries, benefits and hiring incentives that can reach upwards of $60,000 for agents in eligible locations, CBP officials said.
In particular, the agency has hopes to attract talent from former U.S. servicemembers.
U.S. Border Patrol Chief Rosario Vasquez believes the record-breaking staffing levels are evidence that those efforts are paying off.
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FILE – U.S. Customs and Border Protection said 40 migrants were apprehended from the small vessel. (Kevin Carter/Getty Images)
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“This record-setting achievement highlights the effectiveness of our recruitment efforts,” Vasquez said.
“We are building a stronger workforce every day, and our progress toward 25,000 agents will further enhance our ability to protect our borders and serve the nation,” she continued.
