Airforwarders Association condemns planned cuts to sanctuary city airport customs

The Airforwarders Association (AfA) has written to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) warning that any reduction in Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operations at major Ports of Entry could disrupt high value, time critical, and security sensitive cargo entering the United States.

The letter follows reports that the DHS is considering reducing or halting CBP processing at certain airports in so called ‘sanctuary cities’, and the AfA has joined Airports Council International and other industry voices raising concerns about the consequences.

“Any significant reduction in cargo processing capacity at major gateway airports would create immediate disruption throughout time sensitive supply chains,” said Brandon Fried, Executive Director, Airforwarders Association.

“CBP cargo operations are not merely an administrative processing function; they are a critical part of our national security and economic resilience.”

AfA said CBP clearance is essential to the movement of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, manufacturing components, e-commerce, perishables, and other goods that rely on the speed and certainty air freight delivers.

The Association warned that cargo networks cannot be rebooked or rerouted overnight because airline schedules, warehouse capacity, trucking links, bonded facility agreements, and customs compliance processes are built around established gateway airports.

“Airports serve businesses, consumers, and communities far beyond the cities where they are located,” added Fried.

“A disruption at just one major gateway would have national consequences for supply chains that depend on secure and timely clearance.”

The AfA urged the DHS and CBP to preserve current staffing levels at Ports of Entry and consult the freight forwarding and air cargo industry before considering changes that could affect clearance capacity.