DHS Secretary on Drones: “No Foreign Involvement”

We know of no foreign involvement with respect to the sightings in the northeast.

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, on drone sightings in the Northeast. He said that the recent sightings are in fact drones, with their origins unknown, but in some cases the sightings are aircraft and some are “duplicative reporting.”

Why It Matters: Federal, state and local governments have not identified the mysterious drones sighted over New Jersey. Mysterious drone sightings, specifically near military bases, have been happening with some regularity dating back to 2023 but have recently gained public attention with a “swarm” of sightings in and around New Jersey.

In an interview on Sunday, Sec. Mayorkas stated, “We’ve deployed personnel, technology, and if there is any reason for concern, if we identify any foreign involvement or criminal activity, we will communicate with the American public accordingly. Right now, we are not aware of any. If we become aware of any, we will communicate accordingly and take appropriate action.” (ABC News)

Something To Consider: Sec. Mayorkas emphasized his desire for Congress to expand federal agency authority and oversight over drones:

“I want to assure the American public that we are on it. We are working in close coordination with state and local authorities. And it is critical, as we all have said for a number of years that we need from Congress additional authorities to address the drone situation. Our authorities currently are limited, and they are set to expire. We need them extended and expanded. … We want state and local authorities to also have the ability to counter drone activity under federal supervision. That is one important element that we have requested, and we’ve heard it echoed by the state and local officials themselves.” (ABC News)

Read More: ‘This Week’ Transcript 12-15-24: Sec. Alejandro Mayorkas, Sen. Eric Schmitt, Sen. Adam Schiff & Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt (ABC News)

Mystery Drones Swarmed a U.S. Military Base for 17 Days. The Pentagon Is Stumped (The Wall Street Journal, from October 2024)