The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed it flew MQ-9 Reaper drones over Los Angeles last weekend to support federal operations during protests that followed an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid.
WATCH: DHS drone footage of LA rioters.
This is not calm. This is not peaceful.
California politicians must call off their rioting mob. pic.twitter.com/WHNPlzEJG8
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) June 10, 2025
Video clips labeled as DHS drone footage were shared on social media by the agency. The footage showed scenes of protests accompanied by the caption: “This is not calm. This is not peaceful. California politicians must call off their rioting mob.”
“TROY701”
Department of Homeland Security MQ-9 over Los Angeles this evening. It’s been operational for over 9 hours now.
📻 Heard working 128.600 Los Angeles Center, Sector 09 at 16:45z, 8 June 2025 pic.twitter.com/YAtaAYlmbE
— Aeroscout (@aeroscouting) June 9, 2025
The unarmed MQ-9 Reaper drones were operated by Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Air and Marine Operations unit, which is part of the DHS. Its use has sparked debate, with critics arguing that such widespread monitoring infringes on individual rights and threatens constitutional protections against unlawful searches.
In a statement to 404 Media, CBP said the drones were deployed to support “our federal law enforcement partners in the Greater Los Angeles area, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement, with aerial support of their operations.”
CBP also responded to allegations that drones were deployed to spy on protesters, stating that its Air and Marine Operations were “not engaged in the surveillance of First Amendment activities.”
CBP’s confirmation of its drone usage follows a report by the LA Times that a Los Angeles Police Department helicopter flying over protesters broadcast the message, “I have all of you on camera. I’m going to come to your house.” The LAPD has not yet responded to the report.
BREAKING: A DHS Black Hawk helicopter was seen flying over the protests in Los Angeles. pic.twitter.com/cscC1xNXDq
— The General (@GeneralMCNews) June 8, 2025
Aside from Reaper drones, various aircraft, including a DHS Black Hawk helicopter, a California Highway Patrol (CHP) plane, and aircraft from March Air Reserve Base, were also observed flying over protests in Los Angeles.
