Trump Administration Bans Border Drones Within 1 Nautical Mile for 1 Year
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Oct 16
Trump Administration Bans Border Drones Within 1 Nautical Mile for 1 Year
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Oct 16
Summary
Friday’s order designates airspace within 1 nautical mile of the U.S.-Mexico border and up to 400 feet as national defense airspace, barring unauthorized drones starting Monday evening.
The FAA said the move targets cartel activity and other cross-border threats; drones that violate the restriction can be shot down, and operators may face civil or criminal penalties.
Three agencies — Transportation, Homeland Security and the Pentagon — issued the restrictions jointly after months of internal disputes over how to counter suspected drone threats near the border.
CBP will allow exceptions through a phone line for emergency responders and an email waiver process requiring at least 48 hours’ notice, though the rules could also curb routine drone use in populated border areas.