Rep. Jimmy Gomez Introduces Bill to Ban Military Drone Surveillance of Civilians

Washington, July 25, 2025
WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) introduced the Ban Military Drones Spying on Civilians Act (H.R. 4759), legislation that prohibits federal agencies from deploying military-grade unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to conduct surveillance of Americans participating in protests, demonstrations, or other acts of civil disobedience.

The bill responds to reports that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) deployed MQ-9 Predator drones, aircraft originally designed for combat operations, over Los Angeles to monitor anti-ICE protests. These drones, capable of carrying Hellfire missiles and advanced surveillance technology, represent a significant escalation in government monitoring of First Amendment activity.

“The U.S. government should never use military drones to spy on its own people. Not under Trump. Not under anyone,” said Congressman Jimmy Gomez. “I introduced the Ban Military Drones Spying on Civilians Act to stop Trump’s abuse of power and get these combat drones out of our neighborhoods.”

Specifically, the Ban Military Drones Spying on Civilians Act would:

  • Prohibit the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Defense, and other federal agencies from using certain military-grade UAVs to surveil U.S. persons engaged in constitutionally protected activity. 

  • Ban interagency transfers or workarounds that allow other departments to conduct drone surveillance indirectly. 

  • Require annual reporting to Congress on all federal drone usage to ensure accountability and transparency. 

The bill has drawn support from civil liberties advocates and local leaders in Los Angeles, where the City Council has passed an unanimous resolution endorsing the legislation.

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