Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas faces mounting pressure over the federal government's capacity to address increasing drone activities across the United States.
According to Breitbart News, during an appearance on ABC's "This Week," Mayorkas acknowledged significant limitations in the Department of Homeland Security's authority to incapacitate drones while emphasizing the need for expanded powers from Congress.
The situation has become more complex since September 2023, when the Federal Aviation Administration modified its regulations to permit nighttime drone operations. This regulatory change has contributed to increased drone sightings, particularly during dawn and dusk hours, with approximately 8,000 drones operating daily in American airspace.
The Department of Homeland Security's ability to counter drone threats remains constrained by existing legislation. These limitations affect federal agencies and state and local authorities requiring federal supervision for drone countermeasures.
Mayorkas emphasized the urgency of congressional action to address these limitations. The current authorities are restricted in scope and approaching their expiration date, creating additional pressure for legislative intervention.
The administration seeks to expand drone countermeasure capabilities while maintaining proper oversight and coordination between federal, state, and local authorities. This balanced approach aims to address security concerns while preserving legitimate drone operations.
President-elect Trump has publicly addressed the drone situation through social media, questioning the government's awareness of these mysterious sightings. His statement suggested taking more decisive action, including the possibility of shooting down unidentified drones.
During the interview, Stephanopoulos presented Trump's statement, prompting Mayorkas to respond. The exchange highlighted the tension between public safety concerns and operational limitations.
Secretary Mayorkas explained that while certain agencies within and outside the Department of Homeland Security possess drone countermeasure capabilities, these powers require significant expansion to address current challenges effectively.
The Department of Homeland Security is actively working with various stakeholders to manage drone-related concerns. This collaborative approach involves multiple levels of government and law enforcement agencies.
Mayorkas stressed the importance of maintaining public safety while respecting the legitimate use of drones for commercial and recreational purposes. The challenge lies in distinguishing between routine drone operations and potential security threats.
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas's appearance on ABC's "This Week" highlighted the federal government's current limitations in addressing the proliferation of drone activity across the United States. The discussion centered on the need for expanded authorities and improved coordination between different levels of government.
The Department of Homeland Security continues to work within its existing framework while pushing for legislative changes to enhance its drone countermeasure capabilities. The outcome of these efforts will largely depend on congressional action to extend and expand current authorities, particularly as they approach their expiration date. This development occurs against the backdrop of increasing drone sightings and growing public concern about aerial security.
