Federal agencies remind drone operators of penalties for flying drones through restricted airspace

A group of federal agencies Friday reminded drone operators of the possible penalties for flying their devices through restricted airspace without permission, amid a recent surge in incursions over U.S. military bases and critical infrastructure. 

The reminder comes a day after drones were reportedly detected above Fort Lesley J. McNair in Washington, D.C., where Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio live.

The Departments of Justice, Homeland Security, and War, and the Federal Aviation Administration warned drone operators that violating U.S. law regarding drones over restricted airspace could cause significant penalties, according to the Washington Examiner.

“As drone use continues to grow, we are stepping up enforcement, and drone pilots are expected to follow FAA regulations just like any other pilot,” FAA chief counsel Liam McKenna said. “Those who choose to ignore the rules will face serious consequences, including substantial fines, revocation of their airman certificate, and even criminal penalties.”

Possible penalties include fines of over $100,000, federal criminal charges that could carry jail time, and the confiscation of the drone.

The warning comes as officials are on heightened alert over possible attacks on the U.S. mainland amid conflict in the Middle East. 

President Donald Trump has signaled that U.S. involvement in the conflict could end soon, but did not give a clear timeline on when American attacks would stop. 

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.