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 vital airfreight shipments.

It 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.

Sanctuary cities  are those that have limited their cooperation with federal immigration authorities including the often controversial Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) body, preventing employees and police officers from asking about peoples’ immigration status and declining ICE requests to hold individuals in local jails solely for immigration purposes.

“Any significant reduction in cargo processing capacity at major gateway airports would create immediate disruption throughout time sensitive supply chains,” said AfA executive director, Brandon Fried. “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.

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

“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.