The FAA has implemented a nationwide drone flight restriction prohibiting operators from flying within 3000 feet of any federal agency vehicles. This unprecedented policy, designated as TFR 6/4375, targets ICE and CBP operations across the entire country. Unlike typical temporary flight restrictions that last hours, this ban remains in effect for 21-month duration, raising concerns about its true purpose.

Civil liberties groups argue the restriction violates First Amendment right to record law enforcement. The Electronic Frontier Foundation joined media organizations in demanding the FAA rescind the policy. Drone operators face criminal charges and potential drone seizure if they film near federal vehicles, even when agents use unmarked vehicles without providing advance notice of their operations.

The FAA's own regulations require specifying hazards and providing points of contact for accredited news representatives, neither of which has been done. This policy comes after high-profile incidents where civilian recordings contradicted official accounts of ICE actions. The restriction effectively criminalizes documenting law enforcement activities while offering no legitimate safety justification.