Congressional records and official announcements from DHS

DHS Secretary Mayorkas Claims No Authority to Address New Jersey Drone Sightings, Insists No Unusual Activity or Threat

Dec 13, 2024, 11:59 PM

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has stated that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) lacks the authority to address the recent drone sightings over New Jersey. During a press briefing, Mayorkas emphasized that the government has not identified any unusual activity associated with these drones and suggested that citizens may be misinterpreting commercially available drones as threats. He remarked, "We can’t just shoot a drone out of the sky," and confirmed that the DHS has repeatedly sought additional authority from Congress to manage such situations. The comments come amid heightened scrutiny following calls from former President Donald Trump to take action against the drones, which Mayorkas insists do not pose a national security risk. His statements have sparked debate regarding the government's response to potential aerial threats and the adequacy of existing regulations.