DHS says US could stop processing international travelers at some airports in 'sanctuary cities'

WASHINGTON, April 7 (Reuters) - Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said on Tuesday that Customs officials could stop processing international travelers at major U.S. airports in cities that have declined to cooperate with the Trump administration's hardline immigration crackdown.

The move could effectively halt international air travel and commerce at major airports in Democratic states. Mullin cited the ongoing refusal of Democrats to reach a deal to fund DHS, including Customs and Border Protection. More than 30 jurisdictions including Los Angeles, Baltimore, Boston and Chicago are so-called "sanctuary cities."

"It's an option," Mullin told reporters in North Carolina, adding no decision had been made. "It doesn't make any sense for us to process international travelers" in cities that are not enforcing immigration rules.