FAA Scraps Civil and Criminal Penalties for Flying Drones Near ICE Vehicles
8 hours ago
- #Drone Journalism
- #First Amendment Rights
- #FAA Regulations
- The FAA rescinded a temporary flight restriction (TFR) that created a no-fly zone within 3,000 feet of DHS facilities and assets, softening language and removing penalties but adding DOJ to protected agencies.
- A 2025 TFR restricted drones around DOE and Pentagon assets; in January, ICE and CBP were added, making it illegal for drone operators due to unmarked ICE vehicles in Minneapolis, grounding local journalists.
- Minnesota journalist Rob Levine sued the FAA, arguing the TFR violated his First Amendment rights, citing 'invisible, moving bubbles' from unmarked vehicles that chilled drone use in photojournalism.
- After Levine's legal motion, the FAA replaced the TFR, lessening restrictions by dropping the 3,000-foot rule and criminal penalties but expanding protected assets to include DOW, DOE, DOJ, and DHS.
- The new TFR warns that agencies may take action against drones deemed a threat, but Levine and his lawyers view it as a victory, allowing him to resume journalism, though they plan further legal action to address FAA overreach.