Predator drones now deploy to assist local police

The federal government has begun using advanced Predator drones for domestic surveillance and other local law enforcement actions. The use is not limited to border issues or enforcement. 


The Los Angeles Times reports:

The drones belong to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which operates eight Predators on the country's northern and southwestern borders to search for illegal immigrants and smugglers. The previously unreported use of its drones to assist local, state and federal law enforcement has occurred without any public acknowledgment or debate.

Perhaps we're now getting another glimpse of what Mr. Obama was pitching on the campaign trail in 2008 when he talked of a domestic civilian national security force as well funded, and as well equipped, as the military.