Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes has raised alarms about the increasing use of drones by Mexican drug cartels to transport illegal drugs, including fentanyl, into the United States. While border crossings have declined significantly since the Trump administration took office, the threat of drug trafficking persists, especially with the use of drones that can deliver illicit substances deep into Arizona. Mayes, a Democrat, has highlighted that the number of drone incursions into the state has been disturbing, with some drones reaching as far as 50 miles inside Arizona.
Mayes has advocated for stronger measures to combat this threat, including the ability to shoot down drones or disable them with drone jammers. This authority was recently granted through bipartisan legislation in Arizona, which was signed into law to empower local law enforcement and state officials to take action against illicit drone activity. The official stressed that the use of drones for drug trafficking is a critical issue, noting that the payload can include dangerous substances like fentanyl, which has become a major public health crisis in the United States.
Mayes has also expressed concerns about the Trump administration’s border policies, particularly the use of ICE agents in a masked manner, which she believes undermines trust and complicates law enforcement efforts. The Arizona attorney general has called for a significant increase in DEA personnel and criticized the proposed 35% cut to the High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area program, which she views as inadequate for addressing the growing threat of drug trafficking.
Other officials have offered differing perspectives on the effectiveness of Trump’s border policies. Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell, a Republican, has stated that the reduction of fentanyl cases in Arizona indicates that Trump’s border security measures have been effective. However, she has also warned about the lethal nature of the drugs and their increasing availability, which pose a major threat to public health. Yuma Mayor Douglas Nicholls, who has been impacted by the border crisis, has noted that while the immediate security situation has improved, the violence and instability in Mexico continue to have indirect effects on Arizona’s communities and economy.
The White House has defended the Trump administration’s efforts, asserting that the southern border is more secure than ever and that the administration is working to remove dangerous cartel criminals from the streets. The official statement emphasized the administration’s commitment to protecting American citizens and deterring illegal crossings. As Arizona officials and law enforcement agencies continue to grapple with the evolving threat of cartel drones, the broader implications for national security and public safety remain a pressing concern.