Chinese Signal Jammers Smuggled into U.S. Threaten Police and First Responder Drones

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a stark warning about a surge in Chinese-made signal jammers being smuggled into the United States, raising concerns for drone operators, particularly law enforcement and First Responders, reports The Washington Times. According to a DHS statement, smuggling of these devices has skyrocketed by 830% since 2021, posing risks to public safety by disrupting critical communications, including those used by police and emergency drones.

Rising Threat to Drone Operations

Signal jammers interfere with radio frequency channels, including those essential for drone navigation and communication. DHS notes that these devices, ranging in price from $50 to $32,000, can disrupt GPS, cellular, Bluetooth, and drone signals.

For law enforcement and first responders, this creates a dangerous vulnerability. Police Drones, often used for aerial surveillance or search-and-rescue missions, rely on stable GPS and radio signals to operate effectively. A jammer could disable a drone mid-flight, potentially grounding critical operations.

“Signal jammers can be used to disrupt a range of radio frequency channels, and pose a threat to emergency response, law enforcement and critical infrastructure,” DHS stated.

The agency highlighted instances where criminals, including illegal aliens, used jammers to interfere with police communications during crimes like home invasions and bank robberies in states such as Florida, Texas, and Virginia.

Criminal Use and Smuggling Tactics

The DHS reports that smugglers, primarily from Chinese manufacturers, are evading Customs and Border Protection inspections to flood the U.S. with these illegal devices. In one case, Texas authorities seized a jammer in February 2025 during the arrest of a Chilean national. Another incident in December 2024 involved a jammer used during a burglary to disrupt police response.

“Signal jammers have been used by illegal aliens across the country to jam communications during police operations, bank robberies, burglaries, and other dangerous crimes,” a Homeland Security spokesperson said.

These devices are openly sold online, despite federal laws banning their importation, operation, and sale by non-government entities. The accessibility of jammers, some capable of targeting signals over long distances, amplifies the threat to drone-dependent operations.

Implications for Drone Operators

For professional and recreational drone pilots, the proliferation of jammers underscores the need for vigilance. Law enforcement agencies may face increased costs to equip drones with anti-jamming technology, such as redundant navigation systems or encrypted communication channels. Recreational pilots, while less likely to be targeted, risk signal interference in areas where jammers are deployed, potentially leading to crashes or loss of equipment.

The broader industry could see regulatory changes, with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) possibly tightening rules on drone signal security. Drone manufacturers may also prioritize developing jamming-resistant systems, though such upgrades could raise prices for consumers. For context, a high-end police drone like the DJI Matrice 30T, which operates on multiple frequency bands, could still be vulnerable to powerful jammers costing as little as $500.

National Security Concerns

Beyond civilian impacts, the DHS warning aligns with a 2024 U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission report, which details China’s advanced electronic warfare capabilities. The report warns that high-powered jammers could be used by Chinese operatives to disrupt U.S. military communications, including drone operations, in a conflict. This dual-use threat—criminal and military—highlights the urgency of curbing jammer smuggling.

As DHS ramps up seizures and enforcement, drone operators must stay informed about evolving risks. The unchecked spread of signal jammers could disrupt not only law enforcement missions but also the growing drone industry’s reliability and safety.