Rep. Vasquez Urges Federal Agencies to Develop Cohesive Counter-Drone Strategy to Protect American Communities, Combat Cartels and Secure the Border

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On November 24, 2025, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) called on top national security, defense, and law enforcement agencies to take urgent action against the growing criminal use of drones across the United States. In a letter sent to the Departments of Defense, Justice, Homeland Security, and the Federal Aviation Administration, Vasquez urged leaders to establish clear federal guidance and strengthen authorities for law enforcement at all levels to counter illegal drone activity on U.S. turf.

Following meetings with law enforcement and national security officials across southern New Mexico, Rep. Vasquez’s letter highlighted escalating threats posed by cartels, drug traffickers, and other bad actors, stating, “Criminals are using drones to harm Americans, and our communities are vulnerable in the absence of a cohesive federal counter-drone strategy. Whether it’s cartels smuggling illegal contraband across the border, foreign adversaries spying on military tests, or traffickers operating in our neighborhoods, these threats demand immediate action.”

Based on his past trips to the border, Rep. Vasquez underscored that Border Patrol agents in southern New Mexico remain on the front lines of the fight against cartel drone activity, which includes surveillance flights, intelligence gathering, cross-border smuggling, and even threats involving explosives.

“As a border legislator, protecting my community and the law enforcement personnel who keep us safe is my top priority,” said Vasquez. “We must ensure that U.S. Border Patrol agents have the tools, personnel, and guidance needed to disrupt cartel drone activity and secure our border.”

The letter also warns of significant risks to national security and U.S. military operations. At White Sands Missile Range and other Department of Defense installations, unidentified drones have entered restricted airspace, jeopardizing sensitive testing operations and endangering service members. These concerns were reiterated during Rep. Vasquez’s most recent visit to WSMR. 

Local law enforcement, including police departments in Albuquerque, reported facing similar challenges as drones are used for counter-surveillance and other criminal activity far from the border during a recent law enforcement roundtable with Rep. Vasquez. Many local agencies lack the resources, authorities, and federal support needed to confront these threats, making it difficult — if not impossible — to remove illegal drones from their airspace.

“Southern New Mexico illustrates the urgency of this issue, but we are not alone,” Vasquez stated. “The threat from criminal drone activity is a nationwide concern. Protecting American communities and national security is not a partisan issue, and I stand ready to work with the administration and both parties in Congress to get this done.”

Rep. Vasquez continues to champion policies that strengthen border security, support law enforcement, and address emerging threats to national security and public safety. He is a national leader in the push to modernize border security in the U.S. and is a tireless advocate for heightened investments in drones, scanners, surveillance towers, and other smart, cost-effective border technology. 

###