The Trump administration has banned unauthorized drone flights along the entire U.S.-Mexico border, aiming at drug cartels that use small aircraft to scout and evade border agents.
The temporary flight restriction, announced October 16 by the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Transportation, and the Department of War, bars unauthorized drones from flying up to 400 feet above ground level and extends one nautical mile north of the border.
Officials said the restriction reduces risk to ongoing border operations, protects federal personnel and facilities, and supports enforcement against those who fly drones in the zone. Senior military officials have warned that as many as 1,000 drone incursions from Mexico are reported each month.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the measure follows through on the administration’s promise to secure the southern border. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said U.S. forces would shoot down any cartel drone that threatens American sovereignty, citing directed-energy weapons among the tools available.
