The Departments of Transportation, Defense and Homeland Security announced the coordinated measure on Friday. The temporary flight restriction took effect the same day and prohibits unauthorized drone activity at altitudes of up to 400 feet (122 meters) above ground level within an area extending one nautical mile (1.9 kilometers) north of the US-Mexico border, Anadolu Agency reported.
According to the departments, the restrictions are intended to reduce risks to border security operations, protect federal personnel and facilities, and address threats that the administration attributes to drug cartels and other illicit activities.
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US Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy said the measure builds on President Donald Trump’s efforts to strengthen border security and respond to drone-related threats.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the restrictions would give military commanders greater awareness of potential threats and more options for responding to drone activity.
“The United States government will maintain 100% operational control of our border: land, air, and sea,” Hegseth said.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said the initiative would reinforce existing border security efforts and help protect federal personnel.
“This action will help counter cartel drone threats, protect our personnel, and strengthen security in the airspace above the border,” Mullin said.
The announcement did not provide further details on the duration of the temporary restrictions or how enforcement would be carried out.
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