An investigation by BuzzFeed News has uncovered an extensive aerial surveillance program conducted by U.S. government agencies. Each weekday, dozens of aircraft operated by the FBI and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) circle over American cities, equipped with high-tech cameras and, in some cases, cell phone tracking devices.
Scale and Scope of the Operation
Analysis of flight data from mid-August to late December revealed about 200 federal aircraft conducting regular surveillance flights. These planes, often flying at low altitudes with muffled engines, carry sophisticated equipment including high-resolution video cameras with augmented reality capabilities.
While the FBI and DHS claim these flights do not conduct mass surveillance, the data shows a different story:
- Planes circled specific locations for hours at a time
- Flight activity dropped by over 70% on weekends and holidays
- Some aircraft carried cell-site simulators capable of tracking phones on the ground
Government Response and Justifications
The FBI states that its planes only target specific suspects in serious crime investigations. The DHS claims its aircraft are used for border security, drug smuggling prevention, and supporting other law enforcement agencies.
However, the weekend drop-off in flights has raised questions about the nature of these operations. Critics suggest this pattern may be linked to controversial FBI practices of using undercover agents to entrap suspects in fake terrorist plots.
San Bernardino Attack: A Case Study
The analysis revealed interesting patterns in the wake of the San Bernardino terrorist attack:
- No FBI surveillance flights over San Bernardino before the attack
- Within 90 minutes of the shooting, two planes were circling the scene
- In the following week, FBI planes repeatedly circled the mosque attended by the shooters
This response has alarmed some Muslim community leaders, who fear it represents a knee-jerk reaction targeting their communities.
Technology and Capabilities
The aircraft are equipped with advanced surveillance technology:
- Sophisticated camera systems with night vision and thermal imaging
- Augmented reality systems overlaying information on video feeds
- Some planes carry cell-site simulators (aka “Stingrays”) to track cell phones
While the FBI and DHS claim cell-site simulators are rarely used and don’t capture personal data, privacy advocates remain concerned about the potential for abuse.
Privacy Concerns and Scrutiny
The revelations have sparked debate about balancing law enforcement and privacy rights. Critics argue for greater oversight of these programs:
- The ACLU calls for scrutiny of “run-of-the-mill investigations” conducted from the air
- The Cato Institute suggests the Supreme Court should examine these secretive programs
- Privacy advocates push for warrants to be required for all cell-site simulator use
Targeting of Muslim Communities?
While some surveillance flights have circled over areas with large Muslim populations, the investigation found no clear pattern of widespread mosque surveillance. However, the response to the San Bernardino attack has raised concerns about potential profiling.
Uncovering this extensive aerial surveillance program raises important questions about government overreach, privacy, and the balance between security and civil liberties. As the debate continues, many argue for increased transparency and oversight to ensure these powerful tools are not misused.
As law professor Ramzi Kassem notes, “It’s important for people to be aware” of the scope of these operations happening in the skies above American cities.
