Cross Border Aerial Law Enforcement Operations Act

This proposal tells the Department of Homeland Security to work with Canada to create a joint aerial law enforcement program along the northern border. It could include officers from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Coast Guard, Homeland Security Investigations, other federal agencies, and Canadian law enforcement. Operations would mostly happen within 50 miles of the border, with exceptions for emergencies or when an aircraft needs to use an airport outside that area. The program must protect people’s civil rights and privacy, and all participating officers must receive training on these protections .

Agencies can set up the communication rules they need to run these cross‑border flights safely. DHS must send Congress the signed agreement and, once the program starts, a description of how it works. If the program isn’t up and running within two years, DHS must report what’s holding it back and whether it should continue trying or stop. No new money is approved; they must use existing funds .

• Who is affected: U.S. and Canadian law enforcement agencies, and people in the U.S. whose rights and privacy must be protected during these operations. The operating area is generally within 50 miles of the U.S.–Canada border .
• What changes: Possible joint aerial patrols and enforcement. Required safety communications. A report within one year on drone activity along the northern border, including unauthorized drones, how criminals or spies might use them, whether joint drone or counter‑drone work is feasible, and the risks to rights and privacy.
• When: After the U.S. and Canada sign an agreement. DHS must share the agreement with Congress within 30 days and describe the program within 30 days after it begins. Within one year, DHS must deliver the drone report. Within two years, the program should be established or DHS must explain why not .