The United States Departments of Transportation (DOT), War (DoW), and Homeland Security (DHS) announced new restrictions for drone flights along the U.S.-Mexico border. The new temporary flight restriction (TFR), effective October 16, bars unauthorized drone activity up to 400 feet above ground level within one nautical mile north of the border. 

These restrictions apply to all drone flights up to 400 feet above the ground, a threshold under which many commercial operations will likely fall. The release does not state how operators can gain authorization to fly inside the restricted area or whether existing authorizations apply. The FAA will publish a NOTAM that will include links to Domestic Notice and the FAA’s UAS Data Delivery System. Operators are responsible for reviewing NOTAMs and restrictions before operations and must comply with requirements in effect for their planned operations.

The agencies said that this move builds on other efforts from the Trump administration to defend against threats along the southern border, including alleged drone activity from cartels flying into U.S. territory. 

“This action will help counter cartel drone threats, protect our personnel, and strengthen security in the airspace above the border,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin.

Leaders from each agency frame the TFR as a security measure, with Secretary of War directly referencing counter-drone technologies from the U.S. military.

“By restricting unauthorized drone activity, we are giving commanders greater awareness, greater decision space, and more options to defend the Homeland,” said Hegseth. “Equipped with cutting-edge technology—including Directed Energy Weapons—our warfighters will shoot down any cartel drone that threatens America’s sovereignty.”

No announcement has been made as of this writing as to how long these restrictions will remain in place.