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Originally published at Armed Forces Press.
To address growing concerns of cartel activity employing drones along the southern border, the Trump administration has shut down the airspace above the region to all unauthorized drone flights. In a joint announcement, the Department of Transportation, the Department of War and the Department of Homeland Security today announced a joint temporary flight restriction (TFR) which covers the surface up to 400 feet above ground level and extends one nautical mile north of the U.S.-Mexico border.
The restriction will help to minimize risk to ongoing border security activities and operations; protect federal personnel, facilities and the homeland; and support enforcement against those who violate it, according to the announcement.
Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy said the measure supports the Trump Administration’s promise to secure the Southern Border and added that he appreciates the close collaboration of the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of War on this effort. “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,” said Duffy.
Department of War Secretary Pete Hegseth said of the restriction, “The United States government will maintain 100% operational control of our border: land, air, and sea. For too long, cartels have taken advantage of gaps along our southern border. Thanks to President Donald J. Trump, those days are over.”
Hegseth said the restriction will give commanders greater awareness, decision space and options to defend the homeland. He said warfighters will be equipped with the latest technology, including Directed Energy Weapons, to counter cartel threats to America’s sovereignty, and that any cartel drone that threatens America will be shot down.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin also said that the restriction would “help counter cartel drone threats, protect our personnel and strengthen security in the airspace above the border” and added that DHS is “delivering on that promise” through its partnership with the Department of Transportation and the Department of War.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will issue a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) which includes links to the Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) notice and the FAA’s UAS Data Delivery System. The NOTAM and all applicable restrictions must be reviewed by all drone operators prior to their flight and all requirements in effect for said operation must be complied with.
