Ciscomani Calls for National Action Against Cartel Drones

Representative Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) spearheaded a recent letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, and Acting Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Chris Rocheleau calling for national action against drones used by the Mexican cartels at the border.

Rep. Ciscomani's letter cited a recent visit with several freshmen members of Congress, including Representative John McGuire (R-VA), where they spoke with Border Patrol agents about the cartels using drones as part of their operations.

"During our time at the border, we heard firsthand from commanders and supervisors on the ground regarding their concern to be able to conduct c-UAS operations should the cartels attempt a drone attack on U.S. service members or federal law enforcement," Rep. Ciscomani wrote.

As a result, the Congressmen asked the Pentagon, Homeland Security, and FAA who would hold the authority to counter drones, if any process currently exists to determine if drones are threats, and how they will be countered.

Ciscomani has heavily prioritized border-related legislation since the return of President Donald Trump to office, starting with January bills cracking down on cartel spotters and building two new joint operations centers.

February saw the Arizona Congressman's Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act, which strengthens penalties for high-speed chases along the border, pass the House again, while the "Border Enforcement, Security, and Trade" (BEST) Facilitation Act, which expedites cargo screenings at ports of entry, was introduced at the end of the month.

Most recently, Ciscomani introduced the "Federal Lands Amplified Security for the Homeland" (FLASH) Act, which authorizes funding for the construction of navigable roads along the border, allows states such as Arizona to place temporary barriers on federal land and requires federal managers to address pollution along the border that harms the environment.

Arizona's State Legislature in mid-February saw bipartisan support for House Bill 2733, a state-level bill authorizing law enforcement to shoot down drones used by the Mexican drug cartels.

Attorney General Kris Mayes called the bill "an important tool" in protecting the state from the cartels.