U.S. Governors Request Federal Assistance to Counter Drones

Letter urges the expansion of mitigation authority to state and local law enforcement.

Jack Daleo

Friday, September 12, 2025 at 08:00 AM ET

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Jack Daleo

Drones increasingly pose a threat to critical infrastructure and public safety, governors say. [Courtesy: iStock]

Key Takeaways:

Over 30 U.S. state and territorial governors are urging Congress to enact stronger counter-uncrewed aircraft system (C-UAS) measures due to a surge in unauthorized drone sightings near critical infrastructure, public events, and military installations.
The governors highlight that current federal law restricts drone detection and mitigation authority primarily to the Departments of Homeland Security and Justice, leaving states without adequate power to address these growing threats.
They call on Congress to pass legislation that would grant states and local law enforcement similar drone detection and mitigation authority as the federal government and improve communication between agencies.
Several legislative proposals, including the DEFENSE Act and the Counter-UAS Authority Security, Safety, and Reauthorization Act, are being considered to expand C-UAS capabilities and enhance security against increasing drone activity.

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A group of more than 30 U.S. state and territorial governors is calling on Congress to enact stronger counter uncrewed aircraft system (C-UAS) measures amid a spate of drone sightings reported near airports, public events, and military installations.

There are more than 1 million drones registered with the FAA, a number that has spiked in recent years. Under an interagency agreement that lays out federal C-UAS authority, only the Departments of Homeland Security (DHS) and Justice (DOJ) can mitigate unauthorized drones, and only in certain cases.