Authorities warn of drone cartels along southern border

(NewsNation) — Authorities are warning that U.S. airspace along the southern border is being violated by drones used by cartels battling each other.

A top general told the Senate under oath that there are more than 1,000 drone strikes every month, but admitted that he did not know the exact number, and that no one else did.

Some drones are loaded with explosives. A memo circulating among border agents warned of unmanned aircraft dropping explosives on the southern side of the border. Although the activity is taking place in Mexico, not the U.S., they say it comes dangerously close to U.S. soil.

One drone was spotted with 3,000 rounds of ammunition. Individuals claimed to have seen drones dropping explosives near their location, prompting them to run to the US

The violence stems from fighting involving the Sinaloa Cartel, which reportedly engaged in armed conflict with Mexican Federales before coming to the U.S. border to surrender to Border Patrol agents.

Lawmakers are sounding the alarm on the issue. Sen. Jodi Ernst, R-Iowa, introduced the Countering Drone Incursions Act, which would give the Defense Department more authority to protect the airspace. She criticized Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, saying the border is under her watch.

“Murderous drug cartels control the southern border and use drones to launch attacks on territory within miles of the United States,” Ernst said. “These thugs must be held accountable. That’s why I’m equipping the Pentagon to respond to these incursions in every way possible.”

The use of drones is not new, but the use of explosions is a cause for concern, even if it has been limited to the Mexican side of the border. Sources say the fighting has come dangerously close to ranches in the Sells area of ​​Pima County, Arizona, which authorities have flagged as a potential spillover point.

The fighting is between members of Los Salazar, a cell of the Sinaloa cartel, and members of the rival, independent cartel Los Pelones. Although agents have been seeing drones for some time, it has led to heightened concern among people along the border.