Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on Friday sought to temper growing concerns about unidentified drones in New Jersey, claiming the sightings are likely non-threatening consumer drones — without being able to identify the source of the current drone invasion of the state.
“There very well may be drones in the sky, of course, but those are commercially available,” Mayorkas said on CNN’s The Situation Room With Wolf Blitzer. He added, “We know of no threat or nefarious activity.”
Residents in areas like Morristown have reported an uptick in drone sightings, fueling speculation about their purpose. Witnesses described the devices as appearing regularly, with some locals suggesting they could be linked to foreign surveillance efforts or targeting President-elect Donald Trump.
Mayorkas explained that federal agencies are limited in their ability to respond to such incidents. “It’s not as though anyone can just take down a drone in the sky. That in and of itself would be dangerous,” he said, pointing out that current regulations restrict intervention unless specific conditions are met.
While federal authorities have not found evidence of malicious activity, New Jersey first responders have been instructed to exercise caution. Procedures include involving bomb squads and wearing hazmat suits when engaging with unidentified drones, reflecting ongoing concerns over public safety.
The drone sightings have sparked broader discussions about gaps in existing drone laws. Critics argue that more robust enforcement powers are needed to address potential risks posed by emerging drone technologies.
