Federal law enforcement intervention sought by NYPD to dismantle illicit drones
In the bustling cityscape of New York, the skies are becoming increasingly congested with drones. As of 2025, at least 75,000 drones have been recorded flying over New York City, according to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch. This surge in aerial activity has raised concerns about security and safety, prompting the NYPD to take action.
The New York Police Department (NYPD) is advocating for the authority to counteract illegally flying drones over New York City. However, under current federal law, only a handful of federal agencies have the power to do so. The NYPD is actively seeking White House approval to intercept and disable drones, a move that would require changes in federal legislation or executive orders to grant local authorities such powers.
Tisch provided evidence of drug cartels and terrorist groups using commercially purchased drones for attacks, particularly on crowded venues and law enforcement. She believes that responding to drone threats is a local issue and that the NYPD needs the technology to keep New Yorkers safe. The NYPD is not only lobbying Congress but also hoping for an executive order from President Donald Trump to grant access to anti-drone technology.
However, privacy advocates criticize the NYPD's effort as a waste of time and money that would jeopardize New Yorkers' rights. Will Owen, communications director for the technology privacy nonprofit Surveillance Technology Oversight Project, stated that the anti-drone technology is cartoonish. Owen believes that using public dollars to invade privacy is a dangerous police stunt, putting New Yorkers' rights to free speech and protest at risk.
Recent developments suggest that the legal landscape may be shifting. Louisiana became the first state to authorize local law enforcement to neutralize drones posing credible threats, which could set a precedent for other states. Meanwhile, federal lawmakers are considering a bill that would allow local police to use anti-drone technology to protect certain high-profile and crowded events.
Despite these advancements, the Preventing Emerging Threats Act of 2018, a temporary measure meant to address drone threats, has not been expanded, and Congress has not yet provided a permanent solution. This has led to a reliance on executive actions and state-level initiatives.
The NYPD is interested in purchasing a drone that can intercept enemy drones, entangle them in mesh, and deploy a parachute to bring them to the ground safely. Each of these drones, produced by American Robotics, would cost approximately $200,000. The question remains whether federal authorities will grant the NYPD the autonomy it seeks to keep New York City skies safe and secure.
[1] https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/12/nyregion/nyc-drones-nypd.html [2] https://www.cnbc.com/2019/06/12/nypd-wants-to-buy-drone-that-can-intercept-and-disable-other-drones.html [3] https://www.wired.com/story/congress-drone-security-laws-drones/ [4] https://www.forbes.com/sites/andygrizzle/2019/06/13/nypd-wants-to-buy-drone-that-can-intercept-and-disable-other-drones/?sh=7f5f17947e7f [5] https://www.nola.com/politics/2018/06/louisiana_becomes_first_state_to_allow_police_to_shoot_down_drones.html
- The NYPD is proposing changes in policy-and-legislation to allow them to intercept and disable illegally flying drones over New York City, citing concerns about security and safety, particularly with regards to drug cartels and terrorist attacks (General News).
- Despite the advocacy for local authorities to have the power to counteract drones, privacy advocates express concerns about the potential infringement on New Yorkers' rights and the misuse of anti-drone technology, raising questions about the balance between cybersecurity, technology, and politics in such matters (General News).
