Drones Over the Border: 60,000 Cartel Flights in Six Months

Rising Concerns Over Mexican Drones Near the U.S. Border

Every day, an average of 328 Mexican drones are reported to come within 500 meters of the U.S. border, sparking significant concerns about the safety of border agents and the potential for undetected drug trafficking. These incidents highlight a growing threat from transnational criminal organizations that are increasingly using drones to transport illicit narcotics and conduct surveillance on law enforcement.

Steven Willoughby, deputy director of the Department of Homeland Security’s counter-drone program, emphasized the dangers posed by these drone activities. He stated that nearly every day, such organizations use drones to move illegal drugs and contraband across the border and to monitor the movements of U.S. Border Patrol agents. This has led to increased scrutiny and a call for more robust measures to address the issue.

Cartel Drone Threats Expand

Willoughby testified before the Senate’s Judiciary Committee, revealing that federal authorities detected 60,000 drone flights south of the border between July and December 2024. Additionally, they identified 27,000 unique remote-controlled drones involved in these operations. Most of these drones operate at night or at altitudes that are restricted in both Mexico and the United States. In the U.S., the limit is 400 feet, while in Mexico, it is 120 meters. This altitude allows operators to have a clear view of U.S. Border Patrol agents and potentially guide migrants away from certain areas or locate spots to drop drugs for later retrieval.

Cartel Spy Drones Monitoring U.S. Border Patrol Agents

Willoughby also highlighted how drug cartels have used drones to attack each other and sometimes Mexican authorities. For instance, in January, members of transnational criminal organizations attacked a column of Mexican soldiers and police officers in Chihuahua, injuring two public servants. In August, two Mexican soldiers were killed by explosives dropped from a drone in Michoacan state. Willoughby warned that it is only a matter of time before Americans or law enforcement are targeted in the border region.

Arizona Sheriff Using Drones for Border Surveillance

The concerns extend beyond just the border itself. Judiciary Committee Chair U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley and ranking member U.S. Sen. Richard Durbin expressed worries about “bad actors” not only spying on law enforcement and smuggling drugs but also targeting crowds at sporting events or high-profile events like the World Cup soccer tournament or the Olympic games in Los Angeles in 2028. They hope Congress will soon pass legislation to provide federal officials with more judicial authority and funding to combat drone threats.

Durbin pointed out that the Trump administration could have allocated resources for counter-drone efforts instead of focusing heavily on the deportation of undocumented immigrants.

U.S. Must Streamline Drone Process to Counter Cartel Drones on the Border

Meanwhile, federal agencies are collaborating with Mexico to address the increasing use of drones by transnational criminal organizations. Michael Torphy, supervisory special agent for the FBI’s Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems unit, mentioned that they are working with the Mexican government, including the armed forces and law enforcement, to train them in drone exploitation. They are also sharing best practices to keep them safer in their fight against cartels and bringing back what they learn to better prepare for similar challenges in the U.S.

Cartel Drones ‘Pose Threat’ to U.S. Service Members on Border Duty

Federal officials are urging senators to extend the limited, temporary authority provided under the Preventing Emerging Threats Act of 2018, which expires in September. They also recommend modernizing and making the law permanent. The act allows DHS and Department of Justice agencies to track drones deemed as possible threats, identify and warn operators, electronically jam the craft without consent, and use reasonable force to disable the UAS in extraordinary circumstances.

As the situation continues to evolve, the need for coordinated efforts between the U.S. and Mexico becomes increasingly critical. Addressing the growing threat of cartel drones requires a multifaceted approach that includes enhanced surveillance, improved training, and legislative support to ensure the safety of border communities and law enforcement personnel.