The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has confirmed it is deploying drones over Los Angeles amid ongoing protests triggered by a wave of immigration raids across the city. The move has intensified scrutiny of the federal government’s growing use of military-style surveillance and force in domestic demonstrations.
In a statement on Thursday, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), a division of DHS, said it is providing “aerial support” to assist law enforcement operations. “Air and Marine Operations (AMO) is providing aerial support to federal law enforcement partners conducting operations in the Greater Los Angeles area,” a CBP spokesperson said. “AMO’s efforts are focused on situational awareness and officer safety.”
CBP later confirmed to 404 Media that two Predator drones were being used. Observers had earlier reported unmarked drones flying over anti-ICE protests without call signs.
DHS has also shared drone footage of the protests on social media. In a now-controversial post on X (formerly Twitter), the department published a video showing scenes of burning vehicles and explosions, set to dramatic music. The caption read: “WATCH: DHS drone footage of LA rioters. California politicians must call off their rioting mob.”
However, media outlets and civil rights advocates report that the majority of the protests have remained peaceful, even as tensions have escalated. Local sources say demonstrations, now entering their seventh day, have seen isolated incidents of vandalism, including cars being set on fire and projectiles being thrown.
President Donald Trump has authorized the deployment of thousands of National Guard troops and is mobilizing hundreds of U.S. Marines to Los Angeles, despite objections from state and local officials. Mayor Karen Bass has declared a local emergency and imposed a nightly curfew from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., while the LAPD has arrested more than 160 people—mostly for failure to disperse.
During a Senate hearing on June 11, Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island questioned Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth about the drone operations. “Are you prepared for DHS to use drones to detain or arrest American citizens?” he asked. Hegseth replied, “Every authorization we’ve provided the National Guard and the Marines in Los Angeles is under the authority of the President of the United States.”
The federal use of surveillance drones has prompted alarm among civil liberties groups, who warn that military-grade technology is being used to monitor American citizens during constitutionally protected protests. Advocacy groups have called for transparency and oversight, warning that such measures could set a dangerous precedent for the future of domestic law enforcement.
