The deployment of U.S. Marines and the National Guard to Los Angeles amid protests against immigration raids has raised the hackles of many, including Mayor Karen Bass and Gov. Gavin Newsom.
But there’s more than just boots on the ground in Los Angeles.
Both Predator drones and manned aircraft like Black Hawk helicopters have been utilized, 404 Media reports.
Helicopters, including military aircraft, are often seen in the Southern California skies, but the use of Predator drones, which are largely used for surveillance but can be armed with Hellfire missiles, is likely a surprise for many.
These Department of Homeland Security drones are unarmed.
Brett Velicovich, a veteran and drone expert, told Fox News that the drones’ use is “perfectly legal,” but as The War Zone notes, “persistent aerial surveillance like this has long been controversial, with civil rights advocates saying it violates the right to privacy and undermines the Constitution.”
A spokesman for U.S. Customs and Border Protection told The War Zone that the drones are providing “aerial support” for federal agents, including those from Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
“Additionally, they are providing officer safety surveillance when requested by officers,” spokesman John Mennell said. “[CBP] is not engaged in the surveillance of First Amendment activities.”
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