Texas Border Patrol Agents Now Combat Criminal Drones

Most people in Texas see a drone and think that someone is just having some fun, but for U.S. Border Patrol agents they know drones can be used for criminal activity. 

According to KXAN, Transnational criminal organizations are now using drones to track the movement of Border Patrol agents near the border wall. 

When Were the Drones Discovered? 

Border Patrol agents started noticing the drones last September and arrested two drone operators near the border wall in Juarez, Mexico. 

When drones are used by the border, criminals are looking to identify where authorities are located so they can try to gain entry.  

Criminals Are Going Below Ground Too 

While agents are familiar with drones flying above, they also know that these criminals are trying to go underground as well.  

Earlier this year, on January 9th there was a discovery of a quarter-mile long structure from Juarez to Gate 28 of the U.S. border wall. 

Officials are working diligently to identify if there are other tunnels underground, any that are found will be shut down immediately. 

Drones Used for All Types of Criminal Activity 

The drones being used by criminals have been known to drop bombs on rival towns. They have also been used to air drop drugs to specific El Paso, Texas neighborhoods.  

The three known criminal operations who are in that area include the Sinaloa cartel, La Empresa, and La Linea or Juarez cartel.  

These drones are just one more safety risk that border patrol agents must fight daily.  

But we are thankful they are doing everything possible to keep our border and our communities safe.