Over the past four years, authorities in Chihuahua have seized nine drones and various explosives used by organized crime to assist in migrant guidance.
In Chihuahua, Mexico, law enforcement has confiscated a total of nine drones along with several accessories over the past four years, highlighting a troubling trend of technology being used by organized crime. These drones, along with seven grenades and over 1,518 homemade explosives, were reportedly utilized for surveillance purposes and directing migrants across the border. Jorge Armendáriz, spokesperson for the state’s Secretary of Public Security, provided this information, indicating a connection between drone usage and illegal activities related to migration.
The seizures predominantly occurred in areas close to the U.S. border, particularly in the municipality of Juárez, which shares proximity with El Paso, Texas. Notable incidents include the confiscation of a drone and multiple accessories in September 2024, as well as the recovery of two unidentified drones in May 2023 in Nuevo Casas Grandes. These operations reveal a persistent challenge for authorities in managing and mitigating the influence of organized crime in areas heavily trafficked by migrants.
The implications of these drone seizures reflect broader concerns about the methods employed by criminal groups to facilitate illegal border crossings. The use of drones not only raises questions about security and public safety but also highlights the need for enhanced law enforcement strategies to address the evolving tactics of organized crime. As the situation continues to develop, monitoring these trends will be crucial for understanding the complexities involved in migration and border enforcement in the region.
