By David Shepardson
In April, the FAA and Pentagon signed an agreement allowing the government’s use of a high-energy laser counter-drone system along the southern US border with Mexico to address drone threats. US security officials have increasingly expressed alarm about the use of drones by Mexican cartels to drop drug packages or surveil trafficking routes. The temporary flight restriction bars any unauthorized drone activity up to 400 feet above ground level and extends one nautical mile north of the US-Mexico border. The Pentagon has said there are more than 1,000 drone incursions along the US-Mexico border each month.
WASHINGTON, – The Federal Aviation Administration said on Friday it is barring unauthorized drones along the US border with Mexico as the government steps up efforts to address concerns about illegal cross-border drug shipments.
CBP is part of the Homeland Security Department. Because of the use of the Pentagon laser system by Customs and Border Protection without completion of an FAA safety review, in February, the FAA said it would halt all flights for 10 days at the El Paso, Texas, airport.
“By restricting unauthorized drone activity, we are giving commanders greater awareness, greater decision space, and more options to defend the homeland,” said Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, adding that the military “will shoot down any cartel drone that threatens America’s sovereignty. Earlier this year, media reports said drones were seen over Fort McNair in Washington where Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Hegseth live. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said on Friday that the restrictions “will help counter cartel drone threats, protect our personnel, and strengthen security in the airspace above the border.
