Governor Kathy Hochul is calling on federal leaders to take stronger action against the growing threat posed by unmanned aerial systems—more commonly known as drones.
In a letter sent to former President Trump and Congressional leaders, Hochul emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive national strategy on drone detection and mitigation. The letter follows a series of drone sightings late last year in the New York City area and the Hudson Valley, which she says highlighted the limited ability of state agencies to respond to potential threats.
Hochul also urged the federal government to give states more authority to develop and expand drone detection efforts in coordination with federal agencies. She stressed that improving state-level capabilities is essential to public safety and national security.
The full text of the letter is below:
Dear President Trump:
I am writing to you with respect to the critical need for federal action regarding the threat posed by unmanned aerial systems (UAS), commonly known as drones. As you are aware, late last year, the New York City area and the Hudson Valley experienced concerning UAS sightings that underscored the inadequacy of the federal government’s posture and the constrained ability of state authorities to detect and mitigate these threats.
In early June, the Ukrainian military launched a successful surprise attack against Russian strategic air forces using drones. This serves as a stark reminder of the evolving and significant danger these systems present. An attack against strategic military and critical infrastructure in New York poses an urgent danger to the United States. I urge the Administration to proactively improve the UAS detection and mitigation posture in New York and for Congress to extend existing authorities and expand states’ abilities to detect and mitigate these threats themselves.
The reality is that the federal government is unprepared and poorly postured to detect and mitigate UAS threats and states are hamstrung by a lack of legislative authority and action by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The time for decisive action is now.
I am asking your immediate attention on two fronts:
1. Coordinated Federal Action on Drone Threats. We need a comprehensive federal strategy that not only dramatically improves drone detection capabilities nationally but also provides robust, multi-layered mitigation measures. These detection and mitigation measures must first protect critical infrastructure like population centers, utilities, and military assets, but also be able to be swiftly deployed to areas of concern when necessary. In the summer of 2026-12 short months away – the New York area will be the epicenter for multiple high-profile events, including the World Cup, the flotilla of Tall Ships, International Naval Review, the largest ever Macy’s fireworks show, and America’s 250th birthday celebration, which will present prime targets.
2. Increased Authority for States to Detect and Mitigate Drones. New York State must maintain the authority to take proactive steps to detect and mitigate drones. The previous Congress extended important counter-drone authorities granted to the Department of Homeland Security and Federal Bureau of Investigation, but only to September 2025. The sunset of this authority puts the U.S. at risk and this authority must be extended. Additionally, expanded authorities and capabilities must be granted to states, such as through the measures proposed by the Safeguarding the Homeland from the Threats Posed by Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act. Granting states the authority they need to improve detection and mitigation of UAS threats, in coordination with federal agencies, is no longer a matter of preference. It is a matter of urgent concern.
The security of our state and the nation demands a coordinated and robust response to the challenge posed by drones. I urge you to prioritize this issue and take swift action before it is too late.
We stand ready to collaborate with the federal government and Congress to address this critical threat.
Sincerely,
Kathy Hochul
Governor
CC:
The Honorable Kristi Noem, Secretary of Homeland Security
The Honorable Sean Duffy, Secretary of Transportation
The Honorable Chris Rocheleau, Acting Administrator of the FAA
