Drones and State Authority: A Call for Action
A coalition of over 20 state attorneys general is urging the Trump administration to give states more power to address the growing use of drones. They argue that current federal limitations and legal ambiguities are hindering local efforts to prevent smuggling activities in prisons.
Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr expressed concerns about incidents where drones drop contraband such as drugs and weapons into prison yards. “We’re facing all sorts of challenges,” he told Fox News Digital. “Drones are being used to deliver drugs, cell phones, and other prohibited items.”
In a letter addressed to the White House Task Force on Restoring U.S. Airspace Sovereignty, Carr led this group in advocating for “carefully defined powers” to detect, monitor, and intervene against unauthorized drones, particularly before they can drop contraband.
While U.S. airspace has historically been federal territory, state and local authorities have felt increasingly limited in their responses to illegal drone activity. This has led to rising calls for expanded authority.
The task force was initiated by President Trump to analyze drone-related threats and suggest updates to U.S. airspace policy. Yet, while some provisions have been introduced in the National Defense Authorization Act to allow limited drone operations near prisons and vital infrastructure, many believe these powers are not sufficient.
“There’s a lot of uncertainty regarding whether federal laws supersede state laws,” Carr noted. He emphasized that this ambiguity prevents correctional officials—who often first spot the drones—from taking timely action.
In Georgia alone, correctional facilities witness about 58 drone incidents monthly, though Carr acknowledged that many go unnoticed. In 2025, his office recorded approximately 500 such incidents, resulting in about 1,200 seized cell phones.
“We need to equip law enforcement and correctional authorities with the necessary resources to intervene before significant harm occurs,” Carr insisted.
The push for greater drone authority coincides with ongoing national discussions about the implications of increased drone usage in criminal activities. Law enforcement agencies have been vocal about needing more robust legal powers to tackle these threats effectively. They argue that while drone detection is possible, real-time intervention remains elusive without clearer legal frameworks.
The urgency is heightened by upcoming large events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, which may attract heightened drone activity, posing significant safety risks.
As of now, the White House has not responded to the attorneys general’s letter.
