Montgomery, AL — Steve Marshall is urging federal officials to expand the authority of state and local law enforcement agencies to address a growing threat involving drones being used to smuggle contraband into correctional facilities.
According to Marshall, drones are increasingly being used to deliver narcotics, weapons, cell phones, and other prohibited items into prisons, creating significant safety concerns for both correctional staff and inmates. Officials say the issue extends beyond prison walls, contributing to broader criminal activity in surrounding communities.
Under current federal law, only a limited number of federal agencies are authorized to detect, track, and disable unauthorized drones. As a result, state and local correctional officials often lack the legal authority to intervene when drones are observed approaching or entering prison grounds.
Marshall, joined by attorneys general from 20 other states, is calling on the administration of Donald Trump to provide state and local agencies with the authority to intercept or disable drones before they reach correctional facilities.
“Criminals have found a way to turn the skies above our prisons into a smuggling route, delivering drugs, weapons, and phones past the fence line while our officers watch with their hands tied by federal law. That has to change,” Marshall stated. “We’re asking the Trump administration to give state and local law enforcement the clear legal authority they need to intercept these threats before they land.”
In a letter addressed to Sebastian Gorka, the attorneys general highlighted the increasing frequency of drone-related incidents. They pointed to recent cases, including at least two arrests in February involving individuals accused of attempting to use drones to deliver marijuana and other contraband into prisons.
The letter also references the administration’s creation of the Task Force to Restore American Airspace Sovereignty, commending the effort while emphasizing the need for additional action at the state and local levels.
Officials warn that the consequences of drone smuggling are significant. The introduction of drugs into correctional facilities can contribute to addiction, violence, and overdose incidents. Smuggled weapons increase the risk of assaults and organized violence, while unauthorized cell phones allow incarcerated individuals to continue criminal operations such as fraud schemes, witness intimidation, and other offenses.
The coalition of attorneys general is requesting that federal officials establish clearly defined authority that would allow trained state and local law enforcement personnel to respond to drone threats in real time. They also recommend continued coordination with federal agencies to investigate and prosecute individuals involved in drone-based smuggling operations.
In addition to Alabama, attorneys general from Georgia, Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and West Virginia signed onto the letter.
