- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has reported an 830 percent increase in the seizure of China-made signal jammers at U.S. borders since 2021, warning that these devices are being smuggled in via sophisticated methods.
- DHS has linked signal jammers to crimes by foreign nationals, including home invasions and bank robberies in multiple states. The devices are used to block emergency calls and law enforcement communications during such incidents.
- Although civilian use of signal jammers is illegal in both countries, DHS believes Chinese manufacturers are targeting black markets in the U.S. through disguised shipments.
- The Federal Communications Commission strictly prohibits the use, sale or marketing of jamming devices under federal law, citing major public safety risks, including interference with 9-1-1 calls and emergency responder communications.
- Violations can lead to fines up to $112,500 per offense, criminal charges and equipment seizure. The FCC continues to educate the public and retailers through advisories, outreach materials and enforcement actions.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has warned the public about a dramatic rise in the smuggling of China-made signal jammers into the United States.
According to a DHS release issued on Wednesday, June 18, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has recorded an 830 percent increase in the seizure of signal jammers at U.S. ports of entry since 2021, despite sophisticated attempts by China-based technology firms to evade inspection.
The DHS warned that the use of these devices has already been tied to a string of crimes committed by foreign nationals, particularly in states such as Florida, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Vermont and Virginia. Signal jammers, which are illegal to sell or import under U.S. law, have increasingly been used in crimes ranging from home invasions to bank robberies.
Although these devices are banned for civilian use in both the U.S. and China, the DHS believes Chinese manufacturers are targeting illicit markets in the U.S. through disguised shipments and intermediaries. (Related: ICE begins NATIONWIDE raids targeting criminal illegal immigrants.)
In February, Texas law enforcement recovered a jamming device during the arrest of a Chilean national who was in the country illegally. Two months earlier, in December 2024, a similar device was used during a burglary in which responding officers were unable to communicate effectively.
“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 Donald Trump and Secretary Kristi Noem will always protect America’s critical infrastructure and law enforcement,” the DHS spokesperson said.
FCC: Cell phone and GPS jamming devices are illegal and dangerous
In 2014, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) published a blog on its official website to warn the public about the growing misuse and illegal sale of signal-jamming devices that disrupt cell phone, GPS and emergency radio communications. The FCC warned consumers and businesses that the use, marketing and sale of signal jammers is strictly prohibited under federal law due to the serious public safety risks they pose.
“Signal jamming devices (e.g., cell phone, GPS and radar jammers) can prevent you and others from completing 9-1-1 and other emergency calls. These devices also can interfere with communications networks utilized by police, fire and emergency medical services, to the detriment of public safety,” the FCC wrote.
The FCC emphasized that under Section 302(b) of the Communications Act of 1934, it is illegal to advertise, sell, import or otherwise market any device that blocks authorized radio communications. Additionally, Section 333 prohibits individuals from operating any equipment that interferes with lawful transmissions.
Violators face steep consequences such as fines of up to $112,500 per violation, possible criminal prosecution and the seizure of illegal devices.
To enforce the jamming ban, the Enforcement Bureau relies on its network of Field Offices across the country. Since then, the FCC has already warned multiple retailers found marketing or selling jammers, including devices disguised as portable electronics or car accessories. The Commission has also released two Enforcement Advisories, one aimed at consumers and another directed at manufacturers and retailers.
Additionally, the agency has been raising awareness through downloadable posters and educational materials made available to local organizations, PTAs and chambers of commerce.
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Sources include:
TheEpochTimes.com
DHS.gov
FCC.gov
Brighteon.com
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