Montgomery, Ala. (WDNews) — Steve Marshall is calling on federal officials to expand authority for state and local law enforcement to stop drones being used to smuggle contraband into prisons.
Marshall joined 20 other attorneys general in urging the Trump administration to allow local authorities to detect, track and intercept unauthorized drones before they reach correctional facilities. Officials say current federal law limits that authority to a small group of federal agencies, leaving prison staff without the tools to act in real time.
“Criminals have found a way to turn the skies above our prisons into a smuggling route,” Marshall said. “We’re asking the Trump administration to give state and local law enforcement the clear legal authority they need to intercept these threats before they land.”
The request was outlined in a letter sent to Sebastian Gorka, who leads the administration’s Task Force to Restore American Airspace Sovereignty. The group also pointed to a growing number of drone-related incidents nationwide.
In Alabama, at least two arrests were reported in February involving suspects accused of using drones to deliver marijuana and other contraband into prisons.
According to the letter, smuggled drugs can contribute to addiction and violence inside facilities, while weapons increase the risk of assaults. Officials also warned that contraband cell phones allow inmates to continue criminal activity, including fraud and witness intimidation.
Attorneys general from multiple states, including Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas, signed onto the Georgia-led letter, calling for stronger coordination between federal, state and local agencies to address the issue.
Copy of Letter HERE.
