The use of drones continues to grow, with new stories emerging every day. From being used to smuggle contraband into jails to a rise in holiday sales, drones are making headlines. But they’re also sparking growing concerns from lawmakers and residents alike.
Drones Used to Smuggle Contraband into Jails
A military base in New Jersey has reported that drones are being used to smuggle illegal items into a federal prison. Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst said drones have been spotted trying to drop items such as drugs, cellphones, tobacco, and even weight loss supplements into FCI Fort Dix, which is located on the base. The military has already put in place countermeasures to try to stop the smuggling.
Some politicians, like House Speaker Mike Johnson, have criticized the government for not taking enough action against drones. He argued that the Biden administration hasn’t provided enough information about these drones’ purpose. “This is why we need Donald Trump back in the White House,” Johnson said, believing that Trump would have dealt with the issue quickly.
Other lawmakers, such as Representative Carlos Giménez of Florida, are concerned that the government doesn’t fully understand the problem drones pose, calling them a “threat.”
Fear and Uncertainty About Drones
In New Jersey, residents like Carla Sousa are scared by the growing number of drone sightings. Sousa said that she sees drones almost every night, some of which are silent, while others sound like helicopters. “It’s been super-scary,” she said, adding that her anxiety is at an all-time high.
Virginia Senator Tim Kaine is also frustrated by the lack of answers about drones. In December 2023, drones were spotted near a military base in Langley, Virginia, for more than two weeks, and Kaine says the government hasn’t been transparent about what’s going on.
Rising Drone Sales for the Holidays
As drones continue to make news, they are also becoming more popular as holiday gifts. A store in Ohio reported an increase in sales as more people started asking about drones, especially with all the attention they have been getting in the media. “Drones are popular, and we have a lot of people asking about them,” said Randy Kastl, president of a local hobby shop.
Drones Disrupting Air Travel
Drones could cause serious problems at airports this holiday season. Even a single sighting can lead to flight delays or cancellations. “Airports can’t do anything else but shut down traffic,” explained Brett Velicovich, CEO of Expert Drones. He said that the problem is that drones are hard to track, which can cause big disruptions in air travel.
Government Response to Drone Concerns
New York and New Jersey residents have expressed frustration over a lack of clear answers from the government about the growing drone problem. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said, “The people in New York and New Jersey have a lot of questions, and they’re not getting good enough answers.”
Even the NFL is getting involved. Cathy Lanier, the NFL’s Chief Security Officer, has called on Congress to do more to protect stadiums and large events from drones flying into restricted airspace. Over the past few years, drones have been seen flying above NFL games, raising safety concerns.
Drones Helping First Responders
On a positive note, drones are also being used to help first responders. The Tulsa Fire Department in Oklahoma recently used drones to manage an emergency situation. The technology allowed them to respond remotely, without having to be on-site. It’s a new and exciting use of drones that could save lives in the future.
Is It Illegal to Fly a Drone?
While drones are becoming more common, it’s important to understand the rules around flying them. According to John Michaud, a legal expert, flying a drone isn’t illegal by itself. “There’s nothing illegal about flying a drone around,” he said. However, people need to understand that they do not have a right to privacy when it comes to things flying over their property, like drones or airplanes.
Trump’s Comments on Drones
Former President Donald Trump has weighed in on the issue, saying that “something strange is going on” with all the drone sightings. His comments suggest that he believes there may be more to the situation than what is being publicly shared.
Drones are clearly becoming a bigger part of our world, whether they’re used for smuggling, shopping, or emergency response. As their presence grows, so do concerns about safety, privacy, and the government’s ability to keep up with the technology.
