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

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

Every day, an average of 328 Mexican drones are reported to be flying within 500 meters of the U.S. border. This alarming trend has raised serious concerns among border agents and law enforcement officials about the safety of personnel and the potential for dangerous drugs to enter the country undetected.

Steven Willoughby, deputy director of the Department of Homeland Security’s counter-drone program, highlighted the growing threat posed by transnational criminal organizations. He stated that these groups frequently use drones to transport illicit narcotics and contraband across borders and to conduct surveillance on law enforcement activities.

Cartel Drone Activities Increase

During a recent testimony before the Senate’s Judiciary Committee, Willoughby revealed that federal authorities detected 60,000 drone flights near the U.S. border between July and December 2024. Additionally, 27,000 unique remote-controlled drones were identified during this period. 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 maximum allowed altitude is 400 feet, while in Mexico, it is 120 meters. These altitudes provide Mexican drone operators with a clear view of U.S. Border Patrol agents’ movements, potentially allowing them to direct migrants away from certain areas or identify locations for drug drops to be retrieved later.

Drones Used for Surveillance and Attacks

Willoughby emphasized that drug cartels have already used drones to attack each other and, in some cases, Mexican authorities. In January, members of transnational criminal organizations attacked a group 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.

“The warring cartel factions have attacked one another using drone-delivered explosives, and it’s only a matter of time before Americans or law enforcement are targeted in the border region,” Willoughby warned.

Potential Threats to Public Events

U.S. Senators Chuck Grassley and Richard Durbin expressed concerns about the potential for “bad actors” to not only spy on law enforcement and smuggle drugs through the air but also target crowds at sporting events or high-profile events like the World Cup soccer tournament or the Olympic games in Los Angeles in 2028.

The senators hope Congress will soon pass legislation to grant federal officials more judicial authority and funding to combat drone threats. Senator Durbin noted that the Trump administration could have allocated resources for counter-drone efforts instead of focusing heavily on deporting undocumented immigrants.

Mexico's Response and Ongoing Efforts

When asked about the information on cartel drones by the Department of Homeland Security, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo stated she had “no information” on the alleged drone flights. However, federal agencies are working closely with the Mexican government 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, explained that the FBI is collaborating with the Mexican armed forces and law enforcement to train them in drone exploitation. He added that best practices are being shared to keep them safer as they fight the war against cartels, and these lessons will also benefit U.S. efforts.

Legislative Actions and Future Measures

Federal officials have urged senators to extend the limited, temporary authority granted 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 contact operators, electronically jam the craft without consent, and in extraordinary circumstances use reasonable force to disable the unmanned aerial systems.

As the situation continues to evolve, the need for coordinated efforts between the U.S. and Mexico becomes increasingly critical to address the growing threat of drone-related activities along the border.