FBI San Juan gains authority to issue drone violation citations
The federal agency can now cite first-time offenders for unsafe drone operations near military sites and restricted airspace in Puerto Rico.
PhotoThe short version
- NotiCel reported that on Oct. 8 2026 the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Puerto Rico granted the FBI San Juan the power to issue citations for several minor federal offenses
- El Vocero reported the authority covers unsafe operation of unmanned aircraft systems, runway exclusion zone violations, photographing defense installations and flying in restricted buildings or grounds
- The FBI stated that unauthorized drone operations in these areas pose real risks to public safety and federal and military operations
- FBI San Juan already held authority to cite for other minor crimes such as theft under $1,000 and simple assault on federal property
Expanded enforcement powers
The FBI office in San Juan can now issue federal citations for violations involving drones, NotiCel reported. Carlos R. Goris, special agent in charge of the San Juan office, announced the expansion, which took effect on Oct. 8 2026 after authorization by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Puerto Rico.
The new authority applies to first offenses including unsafe operation of unmanned aerial systems, entry into runway exclusion zones, use of aircraft to photograph defense installations, operation in restricted buildings or grounds, and violations of national defense airspace or temporary flight restrictions, El Vocero reported.
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What the sources posted
Posts and statements below are the sources' own words, quoted as published. They are not independently verified.
As of October 8, 2026, FBI San Juan was granted the authority to issue citations for violations of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) regulations. These citations are federal violation notices that could have serious consequences. Violations include, but are not limited to: • 18 U.S.C. 39B – Unsafe Operation of a UAS • 18 U.S.C. 39B – Runway Exclusion Zone violations • 18 U.S.C. 796 – Use of Aircraft for Photographing Defense Installations • 18 U.S.C. 1752 – UAS Operation in Restricted Buildings or Grounds • 49 U.S.C. 46307 – Violations of National Defense Airspace & Tactical Flight Restrictions We remind the community that before every flight, drone operators must check for active flight restrictions in their area to ensure compliance and protect public safety. Suspicious drone activity can be reported to local law enforcement, or the FBI San Juan Field Office by calling 787-987-6500. #PuertoRico #lawenforcement
The source's own post, quoted as published. Not verified by PuertoRico.com. View post
Las operaciones no autorizadas de drones en estas zonas representan riesgos reales para la seguridad pública y para las operaciones federales y militares en curso.
Our translation: Unauthorized drone operations in these areas represent real risks to public safety and to ongoing federal and military operations.
The source's own statement, as quoted by NotiCel. Not verified by PuertoRico.com.
Public safety concerns
According to the FBI, the measure will allow more effective handling of minor crimes at military installations and restricted airspace, including those involving drones. The agency warned that violators will be held accountable.
El Vocero reported that the FBI reminded drone operators to check for active flight restrictions before every flight to ensure compliance and protect public safety. The agency also asked the public to report suspicious drone activity to local law enforcement or the FBI San Juan Field Office at 787-987-6500.
Where the sources differ
NotiCel and El Vocero agree that the authority was granted on Oct. 8 2026 and covers unsafe drone operations, runway exclusion zones, photographing defense installations and restricted airspace violations. NotiCel attributes the announcement to Carlos R. Goris and notes the FBI already had citation power for theft under $1,000, simple assault and other listed minor crimes. El Vocero focuses on the FBI's social media post, includes the exact list of U.S. code violations, and quotes the reminder to check restrictions before flying and the tip line number. Both sources report the goal is more effective enforcement of minor offenses at military and restricted sites.
What the reports do not say
The reports do not state how many drone violations have occurred in Puerto Rico, whether any citations have already been issued under the new authority, what fines or penalties apply to the listed offenses, or whether coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration is involved. They also do not indicate if the expansion includes additional federal agencies or changes to existing drone registration rules.
Sources
Every link below was opened and checked when this story was published. Official means a government body, agency or the organization itself; Reporting means a news outlet.
- Official FBI de San Juan podrá emitir citaciones por vuelos ilegales de drones
- Reporting El FBI amplía su huella en la isla y emitirá citaciones por uso indebido de drones
- Reporting FBI de San Juan podrá emitir citaciones por vuelos ilegales de drones
How we checked this
NotiCel and El Vocero both covered the FBI San Juan announcement of expanded citation authority for drone violations granted on Oct. 8 2026. The specific quote from Carlos R. Goris and prior citation powers appear only in NotiCel, while the full list of U.S. codes, the exact social media reminder language and the tip line number rest solely on El Vocero's account of the FBI post.
Compiled by the PuertoRico.com News Desk from the reports and statements listed above, and checked against them before publishing. It does not include original interviews. Spot an error? Email support@puertorico.com with a link to this story.