The Trump administration is blocking drones from operating along the U.S.-Mexico border without permission, in an effort to strengthen airspace security in the region.
The Transportation, Defense and Homeland Security departments announced the drone ban on Friday.
Any unauthorized drone up to 400 feet above ground level and one nautical mile north of the southern border will be barred. Mexican cartels use drones for reconnaissance during drug and human smuggling operations.
People were interested in these podcasts
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said that for too long, cartels have “taken advantage” of gaps along the southern border.
“By restricting unauthorized drone activity, we are giving commanders greater awareness, greater decision space, and more options to defend the homeland,” he said.
“Equipped with cutting-edge technology — including Directed Energy Weapons — our warfighters will shoot down any cartel drone that threatens America’s sovereignty,” Mr. Hegseth said.
The Defense Department reported 378 cartel drones detected along the border from Aug. 22 through late September. Of those, 75 were turned back, 15 were engaged and one was captured.
Joint Task Force-Southern Border took down about 100 suspected cartel drones in August, a senior Defense Department official told Fox News.
The Pentagon and Department of Homeland Security are also expanding drone detection and interception tools along the border.
In a joint statement, the three departments said the drone ban will reduce risks to border security operations, protect federal personnel and facilities and enhance enforcement against cartel operators.
“President Trump promised to secure the southern border, and he did,” Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said in a statement. “Now we’re doubling down on that promise by protecting our skies from cartel drone threats and other illicit activities.”
Contact the author
Please read our comment policy before commenting.