FAA restricts unauthorized drones along US-Mexico border

Who's involved

• Federal Aviation AdministrationIssued temporary flight restriction
• Defense Secretary Pete HegsethStated military will shoot down cartel drones
• Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne MullinSaid restrictions will counter cartel drone threats
• FAA Administrator Bryan BedfordStated counter-drone system used only along southern border

The facts

• FAA imposed temporary flight restriction barring unauthorized drones up to 400 feet above ground and one nautical mile north of US-Mexico border.^{2 3} Stated by 2 sources
• Pentagon and FAA signed April agreement allowing government use of high-energy laser counter-drone system along southern US border.²
• Pentagon said more than 1,000 drone incursions occur along US-Mexico border each month.²
• In February, FAA halted all flights at El Paso, Texas airport for 10 days due to Pentagon laser system use without FAA safety review completion.²
• FAA lifted El Paso shutdown order after about eight hours following White House intervention.²
• US military shot down CBP drone with laser-based system, leading FAA to expand flight restriction area around Fort Hancock, Texas.²
• In August, US military used high-energy laser to shoot down three drones near southern border linked to Mexican drug cartels.³
• CBP sources said suspected cartel-linked drone sightings in Rio Grande Valley region of Texas dropped 75 percent since military began using high-energy lasers.³

Who said what

These are statements and claims made by the people involved. They are reported, not verified.

• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth Military will shoot down any cartel drone that threatens America's sovereignty.²
• Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin Restrictions will help counter cartel drone threats, protect personnel, and strengthen border airspace security.²
• Officials cited by The Hill Drop in cartel-linked drone sightings could be due to cartel changing routes or using other tactics.³