California Democrat Introduces Bill to Block Military Drone Surveillance on Protests

Democrat Rep. Jimmy Gomez has introduced the Ban Military Drones Spying on Civilians Act to prohibit the Trump administration and other federal agencies from using military-grade drones, specifically the MQ-9 Reaper, to surveil Americans engaged in protests. This legislation was prompted by reports that the Department of Homeland Security used such drones to monitor violent anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles, raising concerns about government overreach and chilling effects on free speech and assembly. The bill seeks to restrict drone use to border security and anti-smuggling operations and mandates annual presidential reports to Congress detailing drone deployments and their purposes. Gomez criticized the Trump administration's use of military drones and National Guard forces during the Los Angeles protests, describing these actions as abuses of power that escalate tensions and threaten constitutional rights. The initiative reflects broader national debates about drone surveillance, privacy, and law enforcement's use of emerging technologies during civil unrest.