McALLEN, Texas (AP) _ A Texas congressman says unmanned drone aircraft are on track to begin patrolling the state’s border with Mexico and coastline this fall.
Democratic U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar of Laredo said the Federal Aviation Administration is working on provisions that will allow U.S. Customs and Border Protection to fly patrols from El Paso to Brownsville and on up the coast past Galveston. Cuellar met with FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt.
Cuellar said a drone already being used in another area would likely be based in Corpus Christi until a new one could be delivered specifically for that mission. Two types are being considered, including one outfitted for work over water.