Overview
- The administration announced the ban on Friday, October 16, 2026, closing a one-nautical-mile strip north of the U.S.-Mexico line from the ground to 400 feet to unauthorized drone flights.
- The FAA published three related NOTAMs (ZLA 6/9954, ZAB 6/9955 and ZHU 6/9956) that list an official NOTAM window from October 19, 2026, to October 19, 2027, creating a gap between the public announcement and the NOTAM effective dates.
- U.S. officials said the restriction is meant to protect federal personnel, facilities and border operations from drones they say are used by criminal groups.
- Lawful flights must get prior authorization from U.S. Customs and Border Protection with waiver requests sent at least 48 hours ahead to SWBDRONEZONEWAIVERS@CBP.DHS.GOV and emergency coordination available by phone.
- Defense officials warned they may neutralize threatening drones and one report says U.S. forces used a high-energy laser to shoot down three drones near the border, raising questions about rules for engagement and transparency.