As drones become a pivotal tool in both security and illicit operations, the skies over the U.S. southern border have turned into a high-tech battleground. Law enforcement agencies and drug cartels alike are leveraging drone technology for surveillance, smuggling, and counter-surveillance, raising urgent concerns about national security.

With the rise of untraceable “dark drones” that evade traditional detection methods, the need for advanced drone monitoring systems has never been more critical. At the forefront of this effort is Mike Fraietta, co-founder and CEO of Gargoyle Systems, who is pioneering a decentralized drone detection network to counter emerging threats and enhance public awareness of aerial activity.

According to Fraietta, traditional aerial craft detection methods face challenges from dark drones — untraceable Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) that use channel hopping or fiber optic technology to avoid RF detection.

To counteract this, Gargoyle Systems focuses on acoustic detection, particularly for fiber-optic tethered drones emitting no RF signals. These drones pose a significant challenge to authorities, as they can operate over long distances without detection.

His vision for the future of drone detection and its beneficial uses is clear. A comprehensive drone detection network must protect American citizens and infrastructure while enabling the ethical use of drones for valuable applications.

“The challenge isn’t just detecting drones. It’s ensuring they are used responsibly,” Fraietta told TechNewsWorld.

New Drone Detection Strategies Emerge

Fraietta launched Gargoyle Systems last year. Among its other projects, the company is developing tools to overcome limitations caused by drone intrusions. It will soon launch a product that creates a personal decentralized geo-fence or border wall that collects data on drones traversing an area.

As a certified FAA drone pilot, Fraietta continually trains in drone security. He wants to monitor the changes being made to secure the southern border under new laws.

“We have advisors in the FAA and Department of Defense and Homeland Security. So, we’re keeping tabs on what’s going on but are not officially involved in any way with the new folks down there or previously,” he explained.

How Drones Are Changing Border Security

While drones present security challenges, they offer groundbreaking potential for emergency services and search-and-rescue operations. Fraietta is excited about the development of “friendly drones” designed to deliver medical aid, transport essential supplies, and assist in disaster relief efforts.

Since January, U.S. border agents have adjusted the role that drones can play in keeping borders secure. According to Fraietta, increased collaboration now occurs between DHS, local law enforcement, and the FAA. He likens these efforts to the creation of the TSA after 9/11.

“A drone czar may be needed to coordinate national drone security initiatives along with recent successes in border security,” he mused.

Despite efforts to enhance drone detection, Fraietta warns that dark drones operating outside radio frequencies are the biggest concern. As a result, law enforcement agencies are increasingly turning to AI and acoustic detection to identify illicit drone activity.

He explained that using acoustic detection methods relies on perfecting the ability to identify the unique sounds of the propeller pitches, among other factors.

Public Misconceptions and Drone Security Risks

The public’s perception of drone flights led to hysteria in some instances. The government’s veil of secrecy sometimes fuels fires of concern.

For example, recent reports of drones flying over houses at night along the East Coast, particularly in multiple New Jersey counties and neighboring areas, stirred public concern. Some news accounts conveyed similar unexplained drone flights amid fears of surveillance or potential attacks.

“Public awareness regarding drone threats is essential. We need to think about how vulnerable our power grids, water supplies, and infrastructure are to drone attacks,” Fraietta warned. “Drones’ ability to deliver dangerous payloads to critical infrastructure remains a major security concern.”

Some local officials openly discussed shooting down drones. Meanwhile, some federal officials within the previous administration were emphatic that people were not seeing drones but small piloted aircraft.

Amid increasing demands for transparency regarding the East Coast sightings, federal officials finally stated that the FAA authorized drone flights as part of an undisclosed test. Fraietta declined to comment, only suggesting that many of those drone sightings were unsubstantiated.

“A similar situation occurred in Colorado in 2019, where mass reports of drones resulted in no government disclosure of verifiable sightings,” he said.

Cartels, Border Agents Battle for Aerial Control

Fraietta observed that AI-powered drones the cartels use are nearly as advanced as those operated by border patrol agents. Cartel drones transport narcotics, use night vision equipment, and leverage 3D printing modifications to evade detection.

Cartel drone flights over the U.S. southern border could provoke an armed U.S. response. The Mexican cartels are leveraging drone technology for more than just drug smuggling, warned Fraietta without elaboration.

U.S. border agents and Mexican drug cartels use them to spy on each other. One side searches for fentanyl labs, and the other tries to locate law enforcement.

“While the potential for cartel-operated drones carrying explosives exists, the risk of escalation makes it unlikely,” he cautioned. “If they start attacking border patrols, it’s a wrap. Cartels prefer to operate stealthily rather than provoke a heavy response from law enforcement.”

Despite efforts to enhance detection, Fraietta warns of dark drones’ persistent challenges. “Drones operating off radio frequencies are our biggest concern,” he said. Law enforcement agencies increasingly use AI and acoustic detection to identify illicit drone activity.

Ethical Debate Over Drone Technology

Drone technology raises ethical concerns, particularly around privacy and regulation. Fraietta advocates for greater investment in detection systems and a national drone security strategy.

“People should know what’s flying over them, just like they know who’s on their property,” he insisted.

Comparing drones to cars and firearms, he stressed the need for structured registration, licensing, and designated flight corridors to reduce noise and enhance safety. While the FAA’s Remote ID tracking is a step forward, untraceable dark drones remain a serious challenge.

Fraietta believes drone security isn’t just about threat detection — it’s about ensuring responsible use. As drones continue to shape security and commerce, robust regulations and advanced detection technology will be essential. Gargoyle Systems envisions a future where decentralized networks give citizens and authorities greater visibility and control over the skies.

“Law enforcement is working to counter cartel-operated drones, but the public must also stay informed about both the risks and benefits of drone use,” he concluded.