Disgraced DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas continues to draw criticism as he oversees one of the most controversial periods in U.S. Department of Homeland Security history. Appearing on ABC’s This Week with host George Stephanopoulos, Mayorkas addressed the recent surge of drone sightings reported across America. His explanation, however, left many Americans baffled and raised more questions than it answered.
The controversy stems from a wave of drone activity spotted in at least 12 counties in New Jersey last week. The sightings have alarmed residents and prompted local officials to demand answers. Despite public concern, the Biden administration has offered few concrete explanations. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby dismissed the reports of “car-sized drones,” chalking them up to mistaken observations of helicopters or airplanes.
However, Mayorkas went a step further in Sunday’s interview, offering an explanation that critics quickly pounced on. While admitting that drones are indeed being sighted, he attempted to downplay the incidents by suggesting the sightings were largely due to a recent rule change by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
“There’s no question that drones are being sighted,” Mayorkas said. “There are thousands of drones flown every day in the United States—recreational drones, commercial drones.”
He then pointed to the FAA’s 2023 rule change allowing drones to fly at night as a major reason for the increased sightings. “In September of 2023, the FAA changed the rules so that drones could fly at night, and that may be one of the reasons why now people are seeing more drones than they did before, especially from dawn to dusk,” he added.
This explanation has drawn sharp criticism. Many argue that the rule change does not account for the nature or frequency of the reports, which describe large, mysterious drones flying in patterns inconsistent with typical commercial or recreational activity. Critics also pointed out that nighttime drone operations existed prior to the rule change, albeit with stricter regulations.
The timing and circumstances of these sightings have fueled speculation about potential foreign involvement or other nefarious activities. For instance, some believe the drones could be linked to surveillance efforts by adversarial nations. Others have suggested more sinister possibilities, including preparations for disruptive actions.
On social media, Mayorkas’ comments were met with a firestorm of backlash. One post summed up the sentiments of many skeptics: “When Mayorkas’ mouth is moving, he is lying. We are being lied to, period.”
During the interview, Mayorkas assured the public that the administration is taking the issue seriously. “I wanna assure the American public that we are on it,” he said, claiming that DHS is coordinating closely with state and local authorities to address the issue. He also called for additional Congressional support, saying, “We need from Congress additional authorities to address the drone situation.”
Yet this assurance has done little to calm critics. Many see his remarks as part of a pattern of dismissive responses from the Biden administration on issues of national security. Mayorkas, who has already faced backlash for his handling of immigration and border security, now finds himself embroiled in yet another controversy.
The drone sightings come at a time of heightened concerns about national security. Reports of unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs) and spy balloons from foreign adversaries have made headlines throughout 2024. Against this backdrop, the lack of transparency surrounding these drones has only exacerbated public anxiety.
With just a month left before a new administration takes office, many Americans are looking forward to a leadership change. Critics of the Biden administration, particularly its handling of national security issues, are optimistic that the incoming leadership will prioritize greater accountability and clarity.
While Mayorkas’ interview was intended to reassure the public, it appears to have had the opposite effect. The Secretary’s remarks, particularly his assertion about the FAA rule change, have added fuel to an already fiery debate. For now, the drone mystery remains unresolved, and Americans are left to wonder whether the government is truly on top of the situation—or if it’s simply out of touch.
Erica Carlin is an independent journalist, opinion writer and contributor to several news and opinion sources. She is based in Georgia.
