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The United States Secret Service, a federal law-enforcement and protective agency under the Department of Homeland Security, has warned drone operators against flying unmanned aircraft in New York City during the 81st United Nations General Assembly, as American authorities intensify security around the gathering of world leaders.
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The Secret Service said New York City would be treated as a “NO DRONE ZONE” during the UNGA, with the agency working alongside the New York Police Department, New York State Police and other federal agencies to enforce airspace restrictions issued by the Federal Aviation Administration.
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The restrictions form part of a wider multi-agency security operation around the UN headquarters, with specialised counter-drone teams, police units and federal security personnel deployed to protect visiting heads of state, government officials and diplomatic delegations during the high-level week.
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Authorities have urged drone operators to consult official Federal Aviation Administration airspace information before flying, warning that unauthorised operations inside restricted airspace can attract enforcement action as New York hosts one of the most security-sensitive diplomatic gatherings of the year.
September 21, (THEWILL) – The United States Secret Service, the federal law-enforcement and protective agency under the Department of Homeland Security, has warned members of the public against flying drones in New York City during the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
The agency said New York City would be designated a “NO DRONE ZONE” during the high-level UNGA proceedings as security agencies step up measures to protect world leaders and senior government officials converging on the city.
In a post on X, the Secret Service urged drone operators to leave their unmanned aircraft at home during the gathering.
“Leave the drone at home. During the United Nations General Assembly, New York City is a NO DRONE ZONE”, the agency said.
The Secret Service said it would work with the New York Police Department, New York State Police and other federal agencies to enforce restrictions issued by the Federal Aviation Administration.
The warning comes as presidents, prime ministers, vice-presidents, ministers and senior diplomatic officials arrive in New York for the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly, prompting an extensive security operation across the city.
Secret Service Leads Protective Security
The US Secret Service is a federal agency within the Department of Homeland Security with responsibility for protecting the President and Vice President of the United States, visiting foreign heads of state and other designated individuals.
It also plays a leading role in securing National Special Security Events, where it coordinates the protective efforts of multiple federal, state and local law-enforcement agencies.
The United Nations General Assembly’s high-level week requires an extensive security operation because of the number of foreign leaders and senior officials gathered in a relatively concentrated area of Manhattan.
The Secret Service is therefore working with the NYPD, New York State Police, federal agencies and other security partners to maintain security around the UN complex and other locations associated with visiting delegations.
Drone Restrictions Tightened
The Federal Aviation Administration is responsible for regulating the United States’ national airspace and can establish Temporary Flight Restrictions for security-sensitive events. The restrictions can apply to both manned aircraft and unmanned aircraft systems, including drones.
The Secret Service has advised drone operators to check FAA-approved B4UFLY applications and other official FAA airspace information for current restrictions before attempting to fly.
The warning is particularly significant during UNGA week because unauthorised drones operating near diplomatic venues or visiting leaders could interfere with protected airspace and security operations.
Authorities have urged members of the public and commercial drone operators to comply with all applicable restrictions.
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Multi-Agency Security Operation
The drone restrictions are only one part of a wider security operation being mounted for the UN General Assembly.
The NYPD, New York State Police, Secret Service and other federal agencies are coordinating security arrangements around the United Nations headquarters and locations being used by visiting delegations.
Specialised police and security units are also being deployed to monitor the airspace and respond to unauthorised drone activity.
The security operation extends beyond the airspace, with authorities also preparing for road closures, motorcade movements, crowd management and protection of diplomatic delegations.
The concentration of world leaders in New York means that security agencies must coordinate the movement of multiple high-level delegations while maintaining normal security and public-safety operations across the city.
The warning coincides with the opening of the 81st UN General Assembly, which brings together representatives of all 193 UN member states.
The high-level General Debate provides governments with an opportunity to outline their national priorities and positions on major international issues before the international community.
Nigeria is participating in the high-level proceedings, with Vice-President Kashim Shettima scheduled to deliver the country’s national statement on Thursday, September 24.
Shettima is leading Nigeria’s delegation following President Bola Tinubu’s decision to mandate him to represent the country at the 81st General Assembly.
The Nigerian delegation includes Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, ministers and other senior government officials.
Shettima is also expected to participate in high-level meetings and hold bilateral discussions with foreign leaders, international organisations and development partners on the sidelines of the Assembly.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
