US restricts unauthorized drones along entire US-Mexico border

The FAA, with the departments of Transportation, Defense and Homeland Security, announced on Oct. 16, 2026 temporary restrictions on unauthorized drone flights along the U.S.-Mexico border. The zone extends one nautical mile (1.9 km) north of the border from ground level to 400 feet (122 meters), from Oct. 20, 2026 through Oct. 19, 2027. Exception flights must be coordinated with Customs and Border Protection. The FAA said it will publish a NOTAM with links to restriction details and its UAS Data Delivery System. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the United States government will maintain 100% operational control of the border: land, air, and sea. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said the action will help counter cartel drone threats, protect personnel, and strengthen security in the airspace above the border. 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. Earlier, airspace near El Paso was temporarily closed over laser-based counter-drone concerns. In February, military personnel mistakenly shot down a CBP drone near Fort Hancock, Texas. Federal officials approved high-energy laser systems after a safety assessment; in August the military used an Army Multipurpose High Energy Laser against a border drone. No factual disputes appear in the record.