The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a warning regarding the increase in Chinese-manufactured signal jammers entering the United States. These devices pose a threat to public safety and civilian aviation, according to the DHS. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reports an approximate 830% rise in seizures since 2021, despite efforts by Chinese companies to evade inspections.
Signal jammers are capable of disrupting various radio frequency channels, posing risks to emergency response, law enforcement, and critical infrastructure. Incidents have been reported where illegal aliens from South America used these devices during criminal activities such as home invasions or bank robberies across several states including Florida, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Vermont, and Virginia.
In February 2025, Texas law enforcement recovered a signal jammer while arresting an illegal alien from Chile. Similarly, in December 2024, a criminal utilized a jammer during a burglary response by law enforcement.
A DHS spokesperson stated: “Signal jammers have been used by illegal aliens across the country to jam communications during police operations, bank robberies, burglaries, and other dangerous crimes. Under the vigilance of CBP, national security begins at America’s ports. As Chinese manufacturers attempt to smuggle signal jammers, we will continue to seize these tools of terrorism. President Trump and Secretary Noem will always protect America’s critical infrastructure and law enforcement.”
U.S. federal law prohibits private importation or operation of any signal jamming equipment that interferes with communications for law enforcement purposes as well as GPS or radar systems. There is potential for cooperation with Chinese counterparts since Beijing also bans public use of signal jammers.
