Arizona House Republicans have announced that HB 2733 has been signed into law, providing law enforcement with legal protection to disable drones suspected of supporting criminal activity near the border.
According to Fox 10 Phoenix, Arizona’s HB 2733 was enacted in April 2025 to address the increasing use of drones by criminal organizations along the U.S.–Mexico border. Law enforcement agencies have reported a surge in drone activity facilitating drug trafficking and surveillance of border patrol movements. The legislation aims to empower officers with the authority to neutralize such threats within 15 miles of the international boundary.
As reported by Fox News, HB 2733 provides civil and criminal immunity to law enforcement officers who disable drones suspected of engaging in criminal activity within the designated border zone. This legal protection ensures that officers can act decisively without fear of litigation when intercepting drones used for illicit purposes. Representative David Marshall, the bill’s sponsor, emphasized the necessity of this measure in combating the fentanyl crisis and safeguarding communities.
According to KJZZ, the law specifically targets drones believed to be operated by Mexican cartels for drug smuggling and surveillance. Attorney General Kris Mayes highlighted that Arizona accounts for more than half of the fentanyl seized in the United States, underscoring the urgency of equipping law enforcement with effective tools. The legislation also facilitates the provision of drone-jamming technology to border sheriffs, enhancing their capability to counter aerial threats.
