The U.S. House Committee on the Judiciary convened on September 17, 2025, to address the escalating threats posed by unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly known as drones. The meeting highlighted the dual nature of drone technology, which, while beneficial for commerce and public safety, has also become a tool for criminal activity and security risks.

During the session, officials reported a significant rise in drone incursions near U.S. airports, with over 1,000 incidents recorded between January and June 2025—a nearly 13% increase from the previous year. These incursions not only violate restricted airspace but also pose serious risks to passenger safety. Despite advancements like remote identification technology, the current response framework remains fragmented, lacking integration with real-time air traffic management and adequate counter-drone systems at airports.

The meeting also shed light on the misuse of drones by criminal networks. Drones have been employed to smuggle contraband into prisons, transport drugs across borders, and even surveil law enforcement activities. Reports indicated that over 1,000 drones cross into U.S. airspace from Mexico each month, with significant drone activity noted in Texas. This method of smuggling is increasingly favored by cartels due to its cost-effectiveness and low risk of confrontation with law enforcement.

Concerns were raised regarding the legal limitations faced by agencies like Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which currently lack the authority to disable or intercept drones in most situations. This restriction hampers their ability to respond effectively to the growing threat.

The committee also discussed the vulnerabilities of public events, which are increasingly at risk of drone-related incidents. While federal agencies have some capabilities to counter drone threats at designated national special security events, many public gatherings remain unprotected, despite the rising number of drone incidents.

Additionally, the dominance of Chinese manufacturers in the drone market raises espionage concerns. With companies like DJI holding a significant share of the market, there are fears that drones could be used to gather intelligence on critical U.S. infrastructure.

The hearing underscored the urgent need for a coordinated approach to address the challenges posed by malicious drone use. As drone technology continues to evolve, lawmakers emphasized the importance of balancing security measures with the protection of civil liberties and privacy rights. The discussions set the stage for future legislative efforts aimed at enhancing drone regulation and ensuring public safety.