“are vital to enabling DHS and our partners
to have the necessary authorities and tools
to protect the public, the President and other
senior officials, federal facilities, and U.S. critical
infrastructure from threats posed by the
malicious and illicit use” of drones.
In the U.S., drones have become increasingly
ubiquitous and useful tools for law
enforcement agencies, agricultural use,
commercial photography as well as hobbyists.
But there are growing concerns as well.
In January 2019, Newark Liberty International
Airport halted all landings and diverted
planes for over an hour after a potential
drone sighting nearby. Smugglers have used
drones to deliver illegal drugs into the country.
And Major League Baseball has had several
incidents since 2020 where games have been
delayed after privately owned drones have
been flown onto a playing field. In 2015, there
were two separate incidents in which drones
crashed on White House grounds.