FAA Bars Unauthorized Drones Within One Nautical Mile of the U.S.-Mexico Border

October 17, 2026

Effective October 16, the TFR bars “any unauthorized drone activity up to 400 feet above ground level” in a band that extends “one nautical mile north of the U.S.-Mexico border,” about 1.15 statute miles. The agencies say it will reduce risk to border operations, protect federal personnel and facilities, and help enforcement against cartel drones.

Sources

• Federal Aviation Administration, “DOT, DoW, DHS Join Forces to Protect Southern Border Airspace” (October 16, 2026): https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/dot-dow-dhs-join-forces-protect-southern-border-airspace