Concerns Rise Over CBP Surveillance Aircraft in Phoenix

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Aerial surveillance aircraft deployed by CBP over the urban areas of Phoenix.

News Summary

Customs and Border Protection’s surveillance aircraft are raising alarms in the Phoenix area as they assist ICE operations, prompting community concerns about privacy and law enforcement militarization. A recent raid in Peoria utilized flash bangs, leading to one federal arrest. The involvement of aerial surveillance in such operations, including a history of similar deployments, highlights ongoing debates about the balance between public safety and individual rights in local communities.

Phoenix – Surveillance aircraft operated by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have been flying over the Phoenix area to assist with operations by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) division. The deployment of these aircraft has raised significant concerns in the local community regarding privacy and the militarization of law enforcement.

On Tuesday morning, HSI agents conducted a raid in a Peoria neighborhood as part of an operation targeting narcotics and human smuggling activities. The agents utilized flash bangs and a battering ram to force entry into a residence, resulting in one federal arrest and another individual being referred to immigration officials. During the operation, an aircraft identified by the callsign “TROY73” was observed flying overhead at an altitude of 9,500 feet. This surveillance aircraft later landed at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, which serves as the operational headquarters for “ICE Air.” A Department of Homeland Security Blackhawk helicopter with the callsign “TROY215” also landed at the airport later that day.

Despite inquiries, CBP has not disclosed details about the type of aircraft used in these operations or the specific role of “TROY73.” Data provided by local investigative reports indicate that “TROY73” has been monitored making landings and take-offs at Arizona Air Force bases, while the “TROY” callsign is commonly affiliated with various CBP aircraft throughout the country.

The CBP has stated that its Air and Marine Operations (AMO) Tucson Air Branch regularly supports federal law enforcement actions across Arizona, but it has not clarified the identities of aircraft involved nor confirmed whether protesters at the Peoria operation were under surveillance.

Reports have also indicated an unidentified aircraft flying at a higher altitude over Peoria, which had previously landed at Luke Air Force Base and Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. The AMO’s fleet includes smaller aircraft like the Cessna 260H/T206H, which are used for surveillance and can operate at altitudes ranging from 15,700 to 27,000 feet. These aircraft are particularly designed for tracking and reconnaissance missions.

In addition to Cessnas, AMO utilizes Beechcraft King Airs outfitted with advanced imaging technology for aerial patrols. Pilatus PC-12 aircraft, similar to military models, are also used for surveillance operations and are equipped with video recorders for documentation purposes. Other aircraft types in the AMO fleet typically focus on weather tracking or special events and are less likely to be seen in the Phoenix area.

This latest operation is not the first time advanced surveillance aircraft have been deployed over Phoenix; the Arizona National Guard also operated surveillance planes during the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests, highlighting a trend in the use of aerial surveillance in sensitive community situations.

Community concerns surrounding these operations have intensified due to fears about privacy rights and the increasing militarization of law enforcement. The presence of high-powered surveillance aircraft in urban areas prompts discussions regarding the balance between public safety and individual privacy rights, raising questions about the future of federal surveillance tactics in local communities.

In summary, the operations involving surveillance aircraft by CBP in Phoenix have attracted scrutiny from residents concerned about the implications of such actions. The lack of transparency regarding the specific aircraft involved and their monitoring capabilities has further fueled discussions about privacy and security in the region.