Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has called on Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to take immediate action in response to an increase in unidentified drone sightings over New York and New Jersey. Schumer is pressing for the deployment of advanced drone detection technology, including the state-of-the-art ROBIN radar system, which offers 360-degree detection capabilities.
I’m pushing for answers amid these drone sightings.
I’m calling for @SecMayorkas to deploy special drone-detection tech across NY and NJ.
And I’m working to pass a bill in the Senate to give local law enforcement more tools for drone detection.
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) December 15, 2024
In a letter to Mayorkas, Schumer emphasized the urgency of the situation, highlighting the proximity of these drone activities to sensitive locations such as airports and critical infrastructure. He stressed that the deployment of advanced detection systems would bolster public safety and national security.
Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas acknowledged the federal government’s efforts to address the issue, noting that additional resources, personnel, and technology have already been mobilized to assist state and local authorities. He also pointed out that some reported drone sightings could be misidentified manned aircraft, but assured the public that investigations are ongoing.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that federal partners are deploying a sophisticated drone detection system to support law enforcement investigations across the state. She has also called for legislative measures to expand the authority of state and local agencies in countering unauthorized drone activities.
Schumer letter to DHS Sec.
Mayorkas on drones: “Given that drone sightings have been
reported across hundreds of
miles, and in the vicinity of
vulnerable sites such as airports
and critical infrastructure, I urge
you to deploy additional systems
like this (ROBIN) across NY & NJ.” pic.twitter.com/K86VDbn31V— Craig Caplan (@CraigCaplan) December 15, 2024
The recent surge in drone sightings has raised significant public concern. Reports of large drones operating in coordinated patterns and evading traditional detection methods have led to calls for improved tracking and identification systems. While some officials suggest that changes in Federal Aviation Administration regulations permitting nighttime drone flights might explain the increase, the lack of concrete identification has fueled demands for enhanced detection capabilities.
In addition to advocating for the deployment of detection technology, Schumer is pushing for the passage of the Counter-UAS Authority Security, Safety, and Reauthorization Act. This legislation aims to equip state and local law enforcement with the tools needed to effectively respond to unauthorized drone activities, ensuring the safety and security of communities across the nation.