Use of Drones in ICE Raids Sparks Fear in Immigrant Communities

• Fear over migration drones used by ICE
• Aerial surveillance in raids
• Activists warn about technology

The use of drones in immigration operations is causing concern among pro-immigrant leaders, although their presence has not yet been confirmed in all states.

Why it matters: Advanced aerial surveillance technology could change how raids are conducted and increase the perception of control over immigrant communities through ICE drone surveillance.

Pro-immigrant leaders in California have not detected drones in local raids but warn that their use could begin at any moment.

Growing alarm over ICE drone surveillance in immigration raids

This comes after reports revealed that the Department of Homeland Security used drones in agricultural areas near Minneapolis.

The operation, known as Operation Metro Surge, included flyovers in areas where migrants work.

The Guardian reported that Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has deployed MQ-9 drones to monitor protests and support ICE operations.

These deployments have reportedly taken place in cities such as Los Angeles, Paramount, and Minneapolis.

Luis Magaña, an advocate for farmworkers in Stockton, said there are no confirmed reports in his region.

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“Sometimes I’ve heard workers mention it jokingly, and we don’t rule out that possibility—that they may start carrying out electronic raids,” he said.

Magaña recalled historical precedents of aerial surveillance in agricultural fields.

“So it’s best to be cautious because we are facing a high-tech situation,” he warned.

Aerial surveillance and civil liberties concerns

CBP acknowledges the use of drones to support ICE and ensure agent safety as part of ICE drone surveillance.

These devices provide real-time video during federal operations.

They are also equipped with high-definition cameras, thermal sensors, and AI-assisted tracking.

The use of this technology raises concerns about civil liberties, domestic surveillance, and intimidation.

Juan José Gutiérrez stated that this practice is not new but has been underreported.

“We are being targeted by these drones to identify undocumented individuals,” he said.
He also expressed concern about monitoring activists.

“They are going to follow us using their drones,” he added.

Changing strategies and community resistance

In Ventura County, community organizations have not yet confirmed the use of drones in immigration raids.

Leonardo Martínez said they have not seen direct use in immigration operations.

“But it’s clear to us that immigration authorities will use them to monitor before carrying out an operation,” he stated.

Martínez noted that strategies are constantly evolving.

“Every week is different,” he explained.

He also confirmed that local police use drones during protests.

“At this level, we are fighting immigration authorities with our hands tied,” he said.

He added that technology does not replace agents on the ground.

“These tools cannot do the job on their own,” he emphasized.

In 2024, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) called for strict limits on drone use in demonstrations.

It warned that such tools could be used to intimidate or surveil vulnerable groups.

WIRED reported that CBP is seeking to optimize drone use with greater autonomy and rapid deployment.

Currently, CBP operates around 500 unmanned systems, according to the Arizona Center for Investigative Reporting.

This confirms that ICE drone surveillance is already a regular part of immigration enforcement.