DHS helicopter patrolling border struck three times by laser from Mexico
A recent incident involving a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) helicopter patrolling the southern U.S. border has raised concerns about the safety of aircrew members. The helicopter, an AS-350, was targeted by a laser from the Mexican side of the boundary, striking the aircraft three times as it patrolled near McAllen International Airport in Texas.
According to a release from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), this is the sixth time in the last four months that Air Interdiction Agents have had to take evasive maneuvers after being targeted by lasers. Another incident involving an AS-350 helicopter occurred in Jacksonville, Florida, resulting in the arrest of an individual facing felony charges.
While no pilots or crew were injured in these incidents, the act of shining a laser into the cockpit of an aircraft is a federal crime that can carry severe penalties, including up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The release emphasized the dangers of aiming lasers at aircraft, warning that even a small beam from the ground can blind aircrew and potentially lead to a midair collision or other serious incidents.
In addition to laser threats, Border Patrol personnel have faced ongoing security risks, including a recent decision to stop wearing body cameras after a social media post revealed how to exploit the cameras to track and potentially threaten agents. A Bluetooth application that can be downloaded to a cellphone was identified as a potential tool for tracking agents through their body cameras.
As the investigation into the laser incidents continues, CBP has not yet responded to requests for comment. The safety and security of border patrol agents and aircrew members remain a top priority, with measures being taken to address and mitigate risks in the field.
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