The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) helicopters that were patrolling the US southern border were targeted by lasers from the Mexican side of the border.
According to US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), three AS-350 helicopter patrols, about 13 miles west of Texas' McAllen International Airport, three times patrols have been made from lasers directed at aircraft from riverbank vehicles in Mexico last week. I got hit twice. release.
The incident marked the sixth time in the last four months, with broadcast thwarting agents being forced to do evasive manipulation after being targeted by lasers, a release note says.
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The US Air Marine Corps (OAM) pilot Chad Stevens of Office is preparing to fly an AS-350 helicopter on patrol across the US-Mexico border. (Photo: John Moore/Getty Images)
Another recent incident occurred in Jacksonville, Florida, involving an AS-350 helicopter last month, resulting in the arrest of an individual currently facing felony charges in the state.
“In these cases, the pilot or crew were not injured and the laser sightings are being investigated,” the release said.
While it's not illegal to own a handheld laser, making the laser shine in the cockpit of an aircraft is a federal crime that results in 20 years of prison time and a $250,000 fine, the release says.
Rio Grande can be seen from Laredo, Texas. (Reuters/Veronica G. Cardenas)
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“Whether military or commercial, if the laser beam is targeted at piloted aircraft, what might look like a small beam on the ground can blind the viewing road shop's viewing shop. , could cause air collisions and other incidents,” the release warned.
Border Patrol officials revealed that agents on the field won't wear body cameras after social media posts revealed that they could exploit cameras and track them and use agents to threaten them It has been under continuous threat over the past few months, including a report from earlier this week. A Bluetooth application that can be downloaded to your mobile phone.
Customs and border management agents patrolling on the US side of the razor-covered border wall along Mexico, east of Nogales, Arizona. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
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“All agents will refuse to use BWC until they hold off on completion of investigation and risk mitigation [body worn cameras] Until further notice. It will become popular when additional guidance and information is received,” read the CBP directive on the issue.
CBP did not immediately respond to requests for Fox News digital comment.
