The FAA closes a one-nautical-mile band along the U.S.-Mexico border to unauthorized drones for a year
DOT, the Department of War, and DHS announced a drone flight restriction on October 16 that reaches one nautical mile north of the U.S.-Mexico border, up to 400 feet. The FAA's notice lists it from October 19, 2026, to October 19, 2027. Requests to fly go to Customs and Border Protection.
By Joel Kelly
Decision brief
If you fly within about 1.15 miles of the Mexican border, you need approval first. Send the request to Customs and Border Protection at least 48 hours ahead. The FAA's map is for awareness only. Read the three NOTAMs for the exact times, boundaries, and exceptions before you fly.
- Area
- 1 NM, up to 400 ft AGL
- Period
- Oct. 19, 2026 to Oct. 19, 2027
- Access
- Ask CBP 48 hours ahead
North of the U.S.-Mexico border, per the FAA release
FAA Domestic Notice; the NOTAMs set the exact times
SWBDRONEZONEWAIVERS@CBP.DHS.GOV
The restriction
One nautical mile north of the line, up to 400 feet.
Three federal departments announced a drone flight restriction along the southern border on October 16: Transportation, War, and Homeland Security. The FAA's release says it bars any unauthorized drone activity up to 400 feet above ground level. It reaches one nautical mile north of the U.S.-Mexico border. One nautical mile is about 1.15 statute miles. The release says the restriction is effective that day.
The NOTAMs
Three NOTAMs carry the binding terms.
The FAA's Domestic Notice for the restriction gives the period as October 19, 2026, to October 19, 2027. It names three NOTAMs: ZLA 6/9954, ZAB 6/9978, and ZHU 6/9956. The notice has a map of the whole restriction, but it says the map is for awareness only. Pilots must read the NOTAMs for the full details: dates and times, altitudes, boundaries, exceptions, and operating rules.
Before you fly
Requests go to Customs and Border Protection, not LAANC.
Requests to fly inside the restricted airspace go to U.S. Customs and Border Protection at SWBDRONEZONEWAIVERS@CBP.DHS.GOV at least 48 hours before the flight, the notice says. Each request must list the pilot's name, FAA certifications, and phone number. It must give the date, time, and place of the flight. It must also give the drone's Remote ID, make, model, and serial number. Groups responding to natural disasters or other urgent emergencies may be eligible for faster coordination by calling CBP at 951-570-4185.
Why
The agencies point to cartel drones.
The release says the measure will reduce risks to border security work and protect federal staff and facilities. It also says it will enhance enforcement against those who violate the restrictions. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said it will help counter cartel drone threats. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said warfighters equipped with technology that includes directed energy weapons "will shoot down any cartel drone that threatens America's sovereignty." The FAA says it will publish a NOTAM that links to the Domestic Notice and to its UAS Data Delivery System. It says drone pilots are responsible for reviewing all applicable NOTAMs before they fly.
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