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24. September 2025
Drones Over Us Borders Spark Fears Over Erosion Of Civil Liberties
The Use of Drones by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in Support of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): A Growing Concern for Civil Liberties
Data obtained by 404 Media reveals that Customs and Border Protection (CBP) flew its drones at least 50 times last year in support of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This revelation highlights the growing concern about the use of technology by federal agencies to monitor and control populations, particularly in the context of immigration enforcement.
The data shows that CBP’s drone program has been expanded significantly since its inception. In 2012, the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), a non-profit organization that advocates for civil liberties, first reported on the use of drones by CBP in support of ICE. Since then, the program has grown exponentially, with CBP now flying its drones at least 50 times last year alone.
The MQ-9 Predator drone, considered one of the most advanced surveillance platforms available to law enforcement agencies, was among the drones flown by CBP on behalf of ICE in 2023. Equipped with a range of sensors and cameras, including facial recognition capabilities, thermal imaging, and acoustic sensing, the Predator drone can gather detailed information about individuals and areas.
The use of drones by CBP in support of ICE has raised concerns among civil liberties advocates, who argue that the technology can be used to target and monitor marginalized communities. Jennifer Lynch, general counsel for the EFF, warned that the expansion of the program is “especially concerning” given ICE’s ongoing unlawful immigration sweeps.
“These records show that CBP has never stopped operating its drones on behalf of other federal, state, and local agencies, including ICE,” Lynch said. “In fact, the program has expanded exponentially since EFF first reported on it in 2012. This is a disturbing trend that highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability from our law enforcement agencies.”
The use of drones by CBP in support of ICE has also raised questions about the role of technology in immigration enforcement. In recent years, ICE has increasingly relied on advanced technologies, including drones, to monitor and control populations. This approach has been criticized by many as a form of “surveillance state” that disproportionately targets marginalized communities.
The use of facial recognition technology by CBP at airports and border crossings is another example of this trend. While intended to enhance security, these programs have raised concerns among civil liberties advocates, who argue that they can be used to track individuals without their knowledge or consent. A 2020 report by the EFF found that CBP was using facial recognition technology in this way, despite having no policy governing its use.
The expansion of drone surveillance by CBP and ICE has also raised questions about the role of other federal agencies in supporting immigration enforcement. In addition to CBP, the FBI has been known to use drones in support of ICE, as well as for domestic counterterrorism operations. Data obtained by 404 Media shows that the FBI flew its drones at least five times last year in support of ICE and other federal agencies.
The use of drones by CBP and ICE represents just one aspect of the broader debate about the role of technology in law enforcement, particularly when it comes to immigration enforcement. Many argue that advanced technologies can be powerful tools for building trust and cooperation with communities, while others see them as a threat to civil liberties and human rights.
As the use of technology in law enforcement continues to expand, it is essential that we prioritize transparency, accountability, and oversight to ensure that these tools are used in ways that respect the rights and dignity of all individuals. The EFF has been at the forefront of researching and advocating against the misuse of technology by law enforcement agencies, including its efforts to expose CBP’s drone program.
CBP’s plans to launch new drones in 2023 that are capable of carrying advanced sensors and cameras have also raised concerns among civil liberties advocates. The EFF has expressed worries that these upgrades will further erode civil liberties and increase the risk of surveillance abuse.
In conclusion, the data obtained by 404 Media highlights the growing concern about the use of drones by CBP in support of ICE. As this technology continues to expand, it is essential that we prioritize transparency, accountability, and oversight to ensure that these tools are used in ways that respect the rights and dignity of all individuals.