NYPD Seeks Federal Authority to Counter 75,000 Illegal Drones Over NYC

The New York Police Department (NYPD) is urgently seeking federal approval to gain authority and technology to actively counter illegal and potentially dangerous drones flying over New York City, where over 75,000 drone flights have been recorded in 2025 alone. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch emphasized that while the department can track these drones, it currently lacks the power to neutralize threats, a capability limited to select federal agencies primarily deployed only at major events. Tisch and city officials argue that drone mitigation should be treated as a local law enforcement issue, similar to ground security at large public gatherings, and are lobbying Congress and hoping for an executive order from President Donald Trump to grant this authority. The NYPD is interested in deploying specialized interceptor drones capable of safely capturing hostile drones, a technology costing approximately $200,000 per unit. The rising concern is fueled by evidence of drones being weaponized globally by terrorist groups and drug cartels, underscoring the need for local proactive measures to protect the city’s dense population and crowded venues. Meanwhile, other cities like Visakhapatnam, India, are implementing drone policing for crime prevention and rapid emergency response, reflecting a global trend of integrating drone technology into public safety strategies.