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Arizona Legislation Targets Drone Use by Drug Cartels
An impending bill in Arizona aims to empower local and state authorities to take down drones utilized by drug cartels. House Bill 2733, introduced by Republican state Representative David Marshall, seeks to establish qualified immunity for law enforcement personnel who may inadvertently cause injuries while neutralizing an “unmanned” drone within a 30-mile radius of the southern border. Cartels frequently deploy drones to monitor law enforcement movements and to facilitate drug smuggling operations across the border.
Despite signs of a stabilizing situation at the border, challenges related to crime persist, according to local law enforcement officials.
Bipartisan Approach Toward Drone Surveillance
Yavapai County Sheriff David Rhodes, president of the Arizona Sheriffs’ Association, expressed concerns regarding the evolving tactics of drug cartels in an interview with Fox News Digital. “As the border becomes more secure under the current administration, we never assumed that drug cartels would simply vanish,” he stated. He highlighted the increasing sophistication of cartel operations, mentioning how they use drone technology for smuggling and deliveries in remote desert areas. “Local law enforcement can observe these drones, but their destinations remain unclear,” Rhodes added.
Heightened Concerns for Authorities
The rise in drone use has become a critical issue for not just state and local police, but also federal agents patrolling the border. Experts note that cartels are continually adapting their strategies to maintain their operations amid crackdowns on illegal activities.
This proposed legislation enjoys a rare showing of bipartisan support, with co-sponsorship from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers. While political views on border and immigration policies remain divisive, addressing drug trafficking presents a unifying concern across the state.
Empowering Law Enforcement
During a news conference, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes emphasized the importance of empowering local law enforcement to combat the activities of drug cartels. “This bill gives law enforcement the necessary tools to dismantle these cartel drones,” she said. Mayes has been an advocate for such measures since the previous spring, underscoring the need to reclaim control of the border from drug trafficking organizations.
If approved by the Republican-majority legislature, the bill will be forwarded to Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs for her consideration. The governor’s office has yet to comment on her stance regarding the potential enactment of this legislation.
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