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.