# U.S.-Mexico launch binational anti-drone operation

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-mexico-border-drone-and-smuggling-activity
> Updated: 2026-09-07T20:40:26.000Z. Sources: 28. Developments: 3.

Transnational criminal organizations continue to use unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) along the U.S.-Mexico border to monitor law enforcement and scout smuggling routes. U.S. Northern Command has reported neutralizing over 300 drones linked to criminal groups so far in 2026, including approximately 100 interceptions in August.

In response, Mexico and the United States have launched “Operation Águila Alta,” a binational anti-drone initiative targeting the border region between Tijuana, Baja California, and San Diego, California. Coordinated through the Mexico-United States Bilateral Implementation Group and Mexico’s Secretariat of National Defense (Sedena), the operation aims to detect and disable commercial drones used during human and drug trafficking. This deployment follows a similar operation conducted in March 2026 in the Ciudad Juárez and El Paso region.

The initiative follows a “mirror” or concurrent model, where military and law enforcement agencies from both nations conduct simultaneous activities while operating strictly within their own sovereign territories. The mission is structured in two phases: an initial period of intelligence coordination and terrestrial reconnaissance from August 31 to September 2, 2026, followed by a second phase that began on September 7 and is scheduled to continue until September 21, 2026. This second phase involves the deployment of security forces equipped with both fixed and mobile anti-drone technology.

This operation follows a Declaration of Intent signed in August 2026, which strengthens strategic capabilities against narco-drones and facilitates Mexican access to the U.S. military digital market for anti-unmanned aircraft systems. Mexico continues to maintain 13,000 security personnel along its northern border and has deployed 165 anti-drone devices.

## Claims

- Approximately 100 drones were neutralized by U.S. forces in August alone. (disputed by 3 sources)
- The United States has shot down more than 300 drones linked to organized crime at the border so far this year. (disputed by 2 sources)
- Mexico and the United States are conducting the binational anti-drone operation 'Águila Alta' along the Tijuana-San Diego border. (corroborated by 17 sources)
- The operation aims to detect and disable commercial drones used by criminals to monitor authorities during human and drug trafficking. (corroborated by 17 sources)
- The operation runs from August 31 to September 21, 2026. (corroborated by 17 sources)
- The operation is divided into two phases: a coordination and reconnaissance phase, and a deployment phase using fixed and mobile anti-drone equipment. (corroborated by 17 sources)
- Forces operate under 'mirror' operations, where each country's military and law enforcement act strictly within their own territory. (corroborated by 17 sources)
- A similar operation was conducted between March 17 and March 31, 2026, in the Ciudad Juárez and El Paso region. (corroborated by 17 sources)
- The operation is conducted within the framework of the Mexico-United States Bilateral Implementation Group. (corroborated by 17 sources)
- Mexico has deployed 165 anti-drone devices along the northern border. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- Mexico is not currently in talks to acquire laser technology to shoot down drones. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Mexico has deployed 13,000 security personnel to the northern border, including 10,000 National Guard and 3,000 Army members. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-07: Mexico and U.S. launch 'Águila Alta' anti-drone operation

Mexico and the U.S. have launched 'Águila Alta,' a binational anti-drone operation in the Tijuana-San Diego border region to combat criminal use of drones for monitoring authorities.

19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mexico-and-us-launch-binational-anti-drone-operation

### 2026-09-05: Mexico and U.S. intensify border security against drone use by criminal groups

Mexico and the U.S. are boosting border security as criminal groups use commercial drones for surveillance. Mexico has deployed 165 anti-drone devices to counter these tactics.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mexico-deploys-13000-security-personnel-to-northern-border

### 2026-09-05: U.S. Northern Command intercepts over 300 drones at Mexico border

U.S. Northern Command reports over 300 drones linked to drug cartels and smuggling operations have been intercepted along the U.S.-Mexico border since the start of 2026.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-northern-command-intercepts-over-300-drones-at-mexico-border

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Cite as: U.S.-Mexico launch binational anti-drone operation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-mexico-border-drone-and-smuggling-activity