U.S.–Mexico Partnership Targets Cartel Drone Threat
By Michael Mick Webster, Syndicated Investigative Reporter
The U.S. and Mexico have launched an aggressive joint effort to combat the growing threat of cartel-operated drones along the southern border.
🚨 Rising Threat
In the latter half of 2024, over 27,000 drones were detected within 500 meters of the border—nearly 60,000 illegal flights, many at night and in restricted airspace. The U.S. Air Force confirms over 1,000 drone incursions monthly, especially near hotspots like the Rio Grande Valley and Laredo.
🛰️ Cartel Drone Tactics
Drones are being used by cartels for narcotics trafficking, surveillance, and even attacks on rival factions. Some are equipped with explosives. DHS officials warn that these tactics could soon endanger U.S. civilians.
🤝 FBI & Mexican Cooperation
The FBI has established counter-UAS training programs with Mexican officials, empowering both sides with coordinated intelligence and response strategies. In Laredo, Stryker units recently intercepted 70 cartel drone flights.
🛡️ Federal Response
- Operation Lowrider: Tracks cartel movements with manned surveillance aircraft.
- FBI Redstone: Acts as a national counter-UAS training hub.
- DHS Warning: Counter-drone legal authority is set to expire in 2025—renewal is critical.
🇺🇸 Why It Matters
Drones now play a central role in hybrid threats—human trafficking, smuggling, and real-time intel gathering on U.S. patrols. This demands swift legal, technological, and international cooperation.
✅ Next Steps
- Expand training with Mexican forces
- Increase investment in detection systems
- Extend legal authority for counter-UAS operations
Drone incursions are now a national security issue—U.S.–Mexico unity is key to staying ahead. Targets Cartel Drone Threat
By Michael Mick Webster, Syndicated Investigative Reporter
The U.S. and Mexico have launched an aggressive joint effort to combat the growing threat of cartel-operated drones along the southern border.
🚨 Rising Threat
In the latter half of 2024, over 27,000 drones were detected within 500 meters of the border—nearly 60,000 illegal flights, many at night and in restricted airspace. The U.S. Air Force confirms over 1,000 drone incursions monthly, especially near hotspots like the Rio Grande Valley and Laredo.
🛰️ Cartel Drone Tactics
Drones are being used by cartels for narcotics trafficking, surveillance, and even attacks on rival factions. Some are equipped with explosives. DHS officials warn that these tactics could soon endanger U.S. civilians.
🤝 FBI & Mexican Cooperation
The FBI has established counter-UAS training programs with Mexican officials, empowering both sides with coordinated intelligence and response strategies. In Laredo, Stryker units recently intercepted 70 cartel drone flights.
🛡️ Federal Response
- Operation Lowrider: Tracks cartel movements with manned surveillance aircraft.
- FBI Redstone: Acts as a national counter-UAS training hub.
- DHS Warning: Counter-drone legal authority is set to expire in 2025—renewal is critical.
🇺🇸 Why It Matters
Drones now play a central role in hybrid threats—human trafficking, smuggling, and real-time intel gathering on U.S. patrols. This demands swift legal, technological, and international cooperation.
✅ Next Steps
- Expand training with Mexican forces
- Increase investment in detection systems
- Extend legal authority for counter-UAS operations
Drone incursions are now a national security issue—U.S.–Mexico unity is key to staying ahead.
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