Trump’s FAA Makes It Practically Impossible To Legally Fly Drones - CleanTechnica

The article from CleanTechnica criticizes a recent Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) directive issued under the Trump administration that effectively bans drone flights within 3,000 feet (about one kilometer) of all Department of Homeland Security (DHS) facilities and vehicle convoys. This broad no-fly zone is implemented without public disclosure of specific locations or times, making it nearly impossible for drone operators—both commercial and recreational—to legally fly in many areas. The FAA and DHS justify the secrecy to avoid revealing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, but this creates significant challenges for legitimate drone pilots who may unknowingly enter these restricted zones while conducting routine activities like real estate photography or public safety missions. The article highlights concerns that the directive grants ICE agents broad authority to destroy drones, arrest operators, and take other aggressive actions, often without clear guidelines or adequate training on handling drone encounters. This raises the risk of dangerous confrontations, especially since some licensed drone pilots carry firearms for self-defense against misunderstandings.