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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Edited By:

Jack Daleo

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

Key Takeaways:

Over 30 U.S. governors are urging Congress to enact stronger counter uncrewed aircraft system (C-UAS) measures due to a surge in drone sightings near critical infrastructure, public events, and military installations.
The governors advocate for expanding drone detection and mitigation authority to state and local law enforcement, arguing that current federal limitations create a dangerous gap in addressing these growing threats.
Multiple legislative efforts and FAA regulatory proposals are underway to address the increasing drone activity, enhance security, and prepare for future expanded drone operations, underscoring the urgency for updated C-UAS capabilities.

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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.