DHS, Transportation and War Departments Impose Drone Flight Restriction Over Southern Border
Published Oct 16, 2026Effective Oct 16, 2026
DHS, the Department of Transportation and the Department of War announced a temporary flight restriction (TFR) barring unauthorized drone activity along the U.S.-Mexico border. The measure is an airspace security and aviation safety action, not a change to visa or immigration procedures.
Key points
- The TFR, effective the date of the announcement, prohibits unauthorized drone flights up to 400 feet above ground level within one nautical mile of the border.
- Officials describe the measure as countering cartel drone activity and protecting border security personnel and facilities.
- The FAA will publish a NOTAM with links to the Domestic Notice and the UAS Data Delivery System.
- Drone operators are responsible for reviewing applicable NOTAMs and complying with restrictions before flying.
- The source does not describe any change to visa issuance, entry procedures, or immigration status.
Who is affected
Drone operators near the U.S.-Mexico border.
Full text
The complete official text was archived on this site on 2026-10-16. It stays available here even if the source link changes or is removed.
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DHS, Department of Transportation, and Department of War Join Forces to Protect Southern Border Airspace
Release Date: October 16, 2026
Temporary flight restriction will prohibit unauthorized drone operations within one nautical mile of the U.S.-Mexico border, from the surface to 400 feet
WASHINGTON — The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS), along with the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Department of War (DOW), issued the following statement announcing a new, coordinated effort to strengthen airspace security along the southern U.S. border through a temporary flight restriction (TFR) for drones. The TFR – effective today – will bar any unauthorized drone activity up to 400 feet above ground level and extend one nautical mile north of the U.S.-Mexico border.
The move builds on the Trump Administration’s successful efforts to secure the southern border and defend the homeland from national security threats – including illicit cartel activity. The new measure will reduce risks to ongoing border security operations, protect federal personnel, facilities, and the Homeland, and enhance enforcement against those who violate the restrictions.
“DHS will not stop building on the historic progress made to secure the southern border,” said DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin. “This action will help counter cartel drone threats, protect our personnel, and strengthen security in the airspace above the border. President Trump promised to secure the border, and we are delivering on that promise through continued action and strong partnership with Department of Transportation and the Department of War.”
“President Trump promised to secure the Southern Border, and he did. Now we’re doubling down on that promise by protecting our skies from cartel drone threats and other illicit activities,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. “I appreciate the close collaboration with our partners at DHS and DOW as we work together to defend our airspace and keep the American people safe.”
"The United States government will maintain 100% operational control of our border: land, air, and sea,” said Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. “For too long, cartels have taken advantage of gaps along our southern border. Thanks to President Donald J. Trump, those days are over. By restricting unauthorized drone activity, we are giving commanders greater awareness, greater decision space, and more options to defend the Homeland. Equipped with cutting-edge technology—including Directed Energy Weapons—our warfighters will shoot down any cartel drone that threatens America’s sovereignty.”
Additional Information:
The FAA will publish a NOTAM which will include links to the Domestic Notice and the FAA's UAS Data Delivery System.
Drone operators are responsible for reviewing all applicable NOTAMs and restrictions before operating and must comply with the requirements in effect for their planned operations.
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Border Security
Homeland Security Enterprise
Keywords
Border Security
Department of Transportation (DOT)
Drone
Last Updated: 10/16/2026
Original title: DHS, Department of Transportation, and Department of War Join Forces to Protect Southern Border Airspace
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This summary was produced with AI from the official announcement. Only the official source is authoritative.