CBP Confirms It Is Flying Predator Drones Above Los Angeles To Support ICE

[CousinIT]

https://www.404media.co/cbp-confirms-it-is-flying-predator-drones-above-los-angeles-to-support-ice/

The confirmation follows 404 Media's reporting using flight data and air traffic control (ATC) audio that showed the agency was flying Predator drones above Los Angeles.

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has confirmed it is flying Predator drones above the Los Angeles protests, and specifically in support of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), according to a CBP statement sent to 404 Media. The statement follows 404 Media’s reporting that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has flown two Predator drones above Los Angeles, according to flight data and air traffic control (ATC) audio.

The statement is the first time CBP has acknowledged the existence of these drone flights, which over the weekend were done without a callsign, making it more difficult, but not impossible, to determine what model of aircraft was used and by which agency. It is also the first time CBP has said it is using the drones to help ICE during the protests.

“Air and Marine Operations’ [AMO] MQ-9 Predators are supporting our federal law enforcement partners in the Greater Los Angeles area, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement, with aerial support of their operations,” the statement from CBP to 404 Media says. The statement added that “they are providing officer safety surveillance when requested by officers. AMO is not engaged in the surveillance of first amendment activities.” According to flight data reviewed by 404 Media, the drones flew repeatedly above Paramount, where the weekend’s anti-ICE protests started, and downtown Los Angeles, where much of the protest activity moved to.

CBP’s AMO has a fleet of at least 10 MQ-9 drones, according to a CBP presentation available online. Five of these are the Predator B, used for land missions, according to the presentation. These sorts of drones are often equipped with high-powered surveillance equipment, but the statement did not specify what surveillance technology was used during the Los Angeles flights.

[Jilly_in_VA]

1. Take a leaf from the Ukrainians

Shoot 'em down with whatever ya got!

[WestMichRad]

2. I expect this will be standard practice...

… above all larger anti-administration demonstrations.

[Irish_Dem]

3. Predator Drones can carry and fire two AGM-114 Hellfire missiles. These missiles are laser-guided.

The MQ-1 Predator drone, primarily used for intelligence gathering and surveillance,
can also carry and fire AGM-114 Hellfire missiles. These laser-guided missiles allow for precise
targeting of threats, making the Predator a versatile platform for both reconnaissance and attack missions.

The Predator is equipped with a Multi-spectral Targeting System (MTS) that integrates electro-optical, infrared, laser designator, and laser illuminator capabilities. This allows operators to identify and target threats effectively.
Hellfire Missiles:
.
The Predator can carry and fire two AGM-114 Hellfire missiles. These missiles are laser-guided, enabling precise strikes on targets.
Mission Role:
.
While primarily known for surveillance, the Predator's ability to carry and fire missiles makes it a versatile asset in strike, coordination, and reconnaissance operations.
.
The Predator has been used extensively in various conflicts, including the War in Afghanistan, the Iraq War, and other operations, demonstrating its effectiveness in both reconnaissance and attack roles.

Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Will Trump order the US military to drop bombs on Americans?

[Norrrm]

4. The beginning of Running Man with newer technology.