Combating Drone Activity from Cartels

Republican Senator James Lankford from Oklahoma is set to introduce legislation aimed at addressing the rise in drone activities by Mexican cartels along the US-Mexico border.

The proposed Border Drone Assessment Act, co-sponsored by Arizona’s Democratic Senator Mark Kelly, calls for the Secretary of Defense to evaluate the threats posed by unmanned aircraft near the border, particularly concerning intelligence security.

This assessment would provide an in-depth report detailing the operators of these drones, the risks they bring to U.S. national security, the type of data they gather, and the intended use of this information.

Additionally, the bill mandates Congress to present a thorough report that includes the tactics used by drone operators, a comparison of current U.S. capabilities to intercept such drones, and an outline of policies aimed at safeguarding the privacy and civil liberties of those operating drones legally in the vicinity of the border.

“When cartels and malicious actors infringe on American airspace, it’s essential for the U.S. to have protective measures in place. A definitive strategy is crucial to counter the unmanned systems that cartels use, which jeopardize border security,” Lankford remarked.

In recent years, the U.S. military has observed a surge in drones operated by cartels. However, as of April, they had not taken an active role in tackling this issue.

This situation may soon change, as the Department of Defense has indicated readiness to deploy strategies against cartel drone operations. Mark Ditorfson, Deputy Director of the National Defense, highlighted that preparations for countering small uncrewed aerial systems near the border are underway.

“In addressing these threats, we need to focus on American privacy while ensuring transparency about potential risks along the border,” Lankford added.

Senator Kelly also emphasized, “Drone technology is advancing quickly, and if it falls into the wrong hands, it could threaten our national security. This legislation reaffirms our commitment to staying ahead of these threats and ensuring the safety of families in Arizona and across the country.”

Earlier this year, Lankford put forth similar legislation designed to shield borders from unmanned aircraft systems, advocating for collaboration among various federal entities to establish a consistent approach to counter-drone capabilities at or near the U.S. border.