Mexican Cartels Authorize Kamikaze Drone Attacks on U.S. Border Agents

Mexican drug cartels have reportedly authorized the use of explosive-laden “kamikaze drones” to attack U.S. Border Patrol agents and military personnel stationed along the southern border. An internal memo from the El Paso Sector Intelligence and Operations Center, dated February 1, 2025, warns that cartel leaders have given the green light for drone strikes targeting U.S. officials operating near the border. The intelligence report has raised alarm among law enforcement agencies as cartel drones have already been used for surveillance and smuggling operations, but the escalation to direct attacks marks a new level of aggression.

The memo, titled “Officer Safety Alert,” instructs agents to be extra vigilant and immediately report drone sightings to leadership. Agents are also advised to carry first aid kits, tourniquets, and body armor, as well as keep rifles readily accessible. These precautions highlight the seriousness of the threat as federal officials brace for possible attacks.

The timing of the cartels’ drone escalation aligns with President Donald Trump’s heightened border security efforts, which include the deployment of over 10,000 U.S. soldiers and Marines along the border. The administration has also ramped up mass deportation operations and increased enforcement measures against illegal immigration. Intelligence officials believe that these aggressive cartel tactics are a direct response to the increased U.S. military presence, which threatens cartel smuggling and trafficking operations.

Cartels have increasingly adopted drone technology in recent years for drug trafficking, scouting Border Patrol movements, and delivering weapons across the border. The shift to weaponized drones marks an alarming escalation, with experts warning that cartels are adopting military-style tactics to defend their operations against U.S. enforcement.

In response, Homeland Security officials are coordinating with the Department of Defense to counter the new drone threat. U.S. agencies are expected to deploy anti-drone technology, including electronic jamming devices and drone defense systems, to intercept and neutralize hostile drones before they can reach their targets.

The use of kamikaze drones by Mexican cartels represents a serious escalation in border violence, forcing U.S. authorities to adapt quickly to emerging threats posed by increasingly sophisticated criminal organizations.

MORE STORIES