"The expanded no-fly zones announced on January 16 prohibited such drones from flying within 3,000 lateral feet and 1,000 vertical feet of federal facilities."
"For the first time, the order extended no-fly zones to ground vehicles belonging to the Department of Homeland Security, even while the vehicles were in motion."
"The notice said government agencies could shoot down or seize drones 'deemed to pose a credible safety or security threat,' warning of civil and even criminal penalties."
"I saw what these federal agents were willing to do, the violence they were capable of, and it made me stop flying."
In January 2026, the FAA expanded no-fly zones to include ground vehicles of the Department of Homeland Security, impacting drone operations. This change followed the shooting of Renee Good during protests against immigration raids. The new policy prohibits drones from flying near federal facilities and extends to unmarked DHS vehicles, creating ambiguity and potential danger for drone operators. Freelance photographer Rob Levine ceased flying his drones due to threats of penalties and the risk posed by federal agents.
Read at Ars Technica
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