Palm Springs Police Address Memo Warning of Possible Iran-Linked Drone Threat

Local authorities coordinate with federal partners to monitor potential risks, but say there is no immediate cause for concern.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 1:06am

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Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills addressed a reported federal memo warning of a potential drone attack from Iran, stating that while the department is aware of the information and remains vigilant, there is currently no immediate threat or credible danger to the community. The police department operates a drone monitoring system and is coordinating closely with federal agencies like the FBI to share information in real-time.

Why it matters

Drone-related security concerns have become increasingly important for law enforcement, especially after the memo became public and sparked questions among local residents. The reported threat also highlights the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran, and the potential for retaliation tied to the conflict in the Middle East.

The details

The Palm Springs Police Department has a drone monitoring system in place to track drone activity within the community, and is working with federal partners like the FBI to share information and stay ahead of potential risks. Chief Mills emphasized that the department is trained to respond to a variety of threats, but that they have not faced a direct or credible threat of a drone attack at this time.

  • On March 11, 2026, a memo was sent to several law enforcement agencies across California warning of a possible drone attack from Iran.

The players

Andy Mills

The Palm Springs Police Chief, who addressed the community about the reported federal memo and the department's efforts to monitor potential threats.

FBI

A federal agency that the Palm Springs Police Department is coordinating with to share information and monitor the situation.

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What they’re saying

“We are trained to respond to a variety of potential threats.”

— Andy Mills, Palm Springs Police Chief

“If threats like this are coming, then Congress and state legislators have to act. Local police departments need the authority to make sure our communities are safe.”

— Andy Mills, Palm Springs Police Chief

What’s next

The Palm Springs Police Department will continue monitoring the situation closely while working with federal partners to ensure the safety of residents across the Coachella Valley.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the growing importance of drone-related security concerns for law enforcement, and the need for clear legal authority and coordination between local, state, and federal agencies to effectively respond to potential threats.