A new federal airspace restriction prohibits unauthorized drones within one nautical mile of the southern border as the Pentagon expands its use of advanced systems to detect and disable unmanned aircraft.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
The Trump administration announced new restrictions on unauthorized drone operations along the entire U.S.-Mexico border Friday, expanding federal control over low-altitude airspace as military and homeland security officials seek to counter unmanned aircraft used by Mexican drug cartels.
The temporary flight restrictions were announced jointly by the Department of War, Department of Homeland Security and Department of Transportation on October 16. The restrictions cover airspace extending one nautical mile north of the international border, from ground level to 400 feet above the surface.
The Department of Transportation announced that the measure is intended to prevent unauthorized drone activity from interfering with border security operations while improving federal agencies’ ability to detect and respond to potential threats.
The Federal Aviation Administration’s published notice identifies restrictions covering the southern border through October 19, 2027. Drone operators must consult the applicable notices for precise effective times, geographic boundaries and authorized exceptions.
The administration’s decision follows repeated reports of drones crossing the southern border for surveillance and drug trafficking. Military officials have estimated that more than 1,000 drone incursions occur along the border each month, with many attributed to Mexican criminal organizations.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said the restrictions would give military personnel additional authority and operational flexibility to respond to airborne threats.
“The United States government will maintain 100% operational control of our border: land, air, and sea,” Hegseth said.
“For too long, cartels have taken advantage of gaps along our southern border. Thanks to President Donald J. Trump, those days are over. By restricting unauthorized drone activity, we are giving commanders greater awareness, greater decision space, and more options to defend the Homeland.
“Equipped with cutting-edge technology—including Directed Energy Weapons—our warfighters will shoot down any cartel drone that threatens America’s sovereignty.”
The measures are part of a broader effort to strengthen federal counter-drone capabilities as unmanned aircraft become increasingly accessible and are used for surveillance, transportation of contraband and other operations.
Federal officials have warned that criminal organizations operating near the southern border use commercially available drones to monitor law enforcement movements, identify potential crossing routes and transport illicit substances.
The Pentagon has also been expanding its ability to intercept hostile drones through a combination of kinetic weapons, electronic countermeasures and directed-energy systems.
In August, three drones linked to Mexican cartels were reportedly intercepted over the border using laser-based weapons. Reports indicate that approximately 300 unmanned aircraft have been disabled this year through kinetic and nonkinetic counter-drone systems.
The military’s use of directed-energy weapons has received additional scrutiny because of potential risks to civilian aviation. In February, the FAA temporarily suspended operations at El Paso International Airport after federal personnel activated a laser-based counter-drone system without completing required safety coordination. The airport restrictions were lifted within hours following White House intervention.
An agreement reached between the FAA and Pentagon in April subsequently established procedures for deploying high-energy laser systems along the southern border. <Link url=”https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/faa-bars-unauthorized-drones-along-us-mexico-border-citing-security-concerns-2026-10-16/” title=”Reuters reported”/> that the arrangement preceded Friday’s broader airspace restrictions.
Hegseth has separately directed the Pentagon to accelerate development and deployment of counter-drone technology in response to the growing use of inexpensive unmanned systems by U.S. adversaries.
Military officials have warned that relatively inexpensive drones can conduct reconnaissance, disrupt operations and carry out attacks, requiring defense systems capable of responding without relying exclusively on costly conventional weapons.
The new border restrictions are designed to support those capabilities while separating authorized federal operations from unapproved civilian or potentially hostile drone activity.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the coordinated action would help protect U.S. airspace from cartel operations and other threats.
“President Trump promised to secure the Southern Border, and he did. Now we’re doubling down on that promise by protecting our skies from cartel drone threats and other illicit activities,” Duffy said.
“I appreciate the close collaboration with our partners at DHS and DoW as we work together to defend our airspace and keep the American people safe.”
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin also supported the restrictions, emphasizing cooperation among federal agencies.
“DHS will not stop building on the historic progress made to secure the southern border,” Mullin said. “This action will help counter cartel drone threats, protect our personnel, and strengthen security in the airspace above the border. President Trump promised to secure the border, and we are delivering on that promise through continued action and strong partnership with Department of Transportation and Department of War.”
Under the FAA’s procedures, drone operators seeking permission to fly within restricted areas must request authorization from U.S. Customs and Border Protection at least 48 hours before their planned operations. Requests must include operator credentials, aircraft identification and the proposed flight location and schedule.
Emergency personnel responding to disasters and other urgent situations may qualify for expedited coordination.
The restrictions do not constitute a prohibition on all aircraft operating near the border. They specifically target unauthorized unmanned aircraft within the designated airspace, while allowing approved government activities and other operations permitted under the applicable federal notices.
Federal officials said the expanded restrictions would help protect military and law enforcement personnel while strengthening the government’s ability to respond to unmanned aircraft approaching or crossing the southern border.
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