A new kind of drone scare has officials warning Border Patrol agents “to remain cognizant of their surroundings” as increased pressure is applied to cartels.
(Video Credit: NewsNation)
Upon returning to the White House, President Donald Trump launched a no-nonsense approach to restoring American sovereignty by applying pressure on neighbors for support, deploying military assets, and declaring the cartels foreign terrorist organizations.
Weeks after people nationwide had been captivated by what has since been revealed to be FAA-authorized drones during the waning days of the Biden administration “for research and various other reasons,” an “Officer Safety Alert” memo issued to U.S. Border Patrol agents warned of explosive-armed drones being deployed by the cartels.
First reported by NewsNation, the New York Post shared the content of the memo that read, “On February 1, 2025, the El Paso Sector Intelligence and Operations Center (EPT-IOC) received information advising that Mexican cartel leaders have authorized the deployment of drones equipped with explosives to be used against US Border Patrol agents and US military personnel currently working along the border with Mexico.”
“It is recommended that all US Border Patrol agents and DoD personnel working along the border report any sighting of drones to their respective leadership staff and the EPT-IOC,” the memo added.
Referencing the reporting by NewsNation correspondent Ali Bradley, Texas Department of Public Safety spokesperson Lt. Chris Olivarez joined “The Hill on NewsNation” to address the threat.
“That reporting by Ali really shows how the cartels have evolved over the years, how they’ve been able to increase their communications; technology,” he told Blake Burman. “Now with these drones that are having capabilities of actually dropping explosives, really shows how much more these cartels have evolved and the threat level has increased even more so now. Not just between rival cartels and the military in Mexico. It’s also threats against law enforcement.”
Olivarez added that the U.S. military, law enforcement, and its Mexican counterparts would have to work together, but he added that Mexico should put as much focus on its southern border as its northern border while taking steps to directly go after the cartels.
The Texas DPS official’s comments came as Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum agreed to deploy 10,000 soldiers to the U.S.-Mexico border to aid against drug trafficking in order to see a pause on the imposition of a 25% tariff amid ongoing negotiations.
Meanwhile, in one of Utah Sen. Mike Lee’s (R) history-laced threads, the suggestion was made to turn to the U.S. Constitution and begin to grant letters of marque and reprisal to allow private citizens, namely well-trained security firms and the like, to embark on missions to aid in stopping the cartels.
“Congress could issue letters of marque and reprisal authorizing private security firms or specially trained civilians to intercept cartel operations, particularly those involving drug shipments or human trafficking across borders,” wrote the senator on X as he suggested it would reduce the burden on taxpayers because privateers were paid by receiving a portion of their spoils. “Focus on disrupting supply lines, capturing high-value targets, or seizing assets like boats, vehicles, cash, gold, or equipment used in criminal activities.”
5/ How Could They Be Applied?
– Authorization: Congress could issue letters of marque and reprisal authorizing private security firms or specially trained civilians to intercept cartel operations, particularly those involving drug shipments or human trafficking across borders… pic.twitter.com/AxkAWKB17k
— Mike Lee (@BasedMikeLee) January 27, 2025
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