New Jersey and New York have seen an exponential rise in mysterious drone sightings following recent FAA restrictions, leaving many curious and concerned.
Drone Sightings and Public Response
After the FAA imposed Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) due to unusual drone activities, sightings have surged across New Jersey and New York. As of 2024, Enigma Labs tracked an unprecedented 22,000 drone sightings, mainly in the Northeast. The public has grown increasingly uneasy, with frequent 9-1-1 calls contributing to a joint response from federal authorities. Reports describe these drones as sizable, often spotted in swarms.
The New Jersey #drones_aliens_UFOs_secret government things are back!
— ⚡️🌎 World News 🌐⚡️ (@ferozwala) January 22, 2025
pic.twitter.com/8UjoMhd2wU
UFO trackers Enigma labs reported a huge uptick in sightings after the drone ban was lifted, with hundreds reported already this year Trump has promised to tell the public what’s…
Enigma Labs has responded to public concern by creating a live interactive map and mobile app to track these sightings. Furthermore, a hotline has been established for real-time reporting, enhancing public participation in unraveling this mystery. The Android version of the app, due next month, promises wider accessibility. Enigma Labs remains critical in providing transparency and data on these drone activities.
New Jersey drones are BACK as interactive map shows activity ramping up… after Trump promised to release truth | Ellyn LaPointe, Daily Mail
— Owen Gregorian (@OwenGregorian) January 22, 2025
An interactive map of UFO sightings has revealed shockingly new reports of drones in New Jersey and other states, suggesting this bizarre… pic.twitter.com/awsAVf58bq
FAA’s Response to the Drone Phenomenon
The FAA has implemented airspace restrictions alongside its 2016 Part 107 regulations to manage the boom in registered drones and licensed pilots. Under U.S. law, it treated the drones as aircraft, imposing fines and potential prison times for any attack or unsafe operations. Pilots, citizens, and law enforcement reports highlight significant sightings, mainly around military bases.
“Temporary airspace bans were issued over two-dozen New Jersey towns after multiple drone sightings sparked public concern, with residents frequently calling 9-1-1 to report them, resulting in a joint response from federal authorities.”
The restrictions, enforced across all five boroughs of New York City and parts of Long Island, remain until January 19. Federal investigations under the FAA, DHS, FBI, and DoD utilize observers and detection technology to resolve these sightings. Although public concern persists, authorities confirm no national security risk.
Future Considerations and Statements
As sightings decrease due to FAA restrictions, the debate on drone policy intensifies. The lifted restrictions saw reports dynamics, sparking discussions in Congress to explore countermeasure legislation. The complexity of regulating drones and counter-UAS technology remains a challenge, especially as drones pose threats even in peace. Consequently, federal officials encourage legislative action.
“We’ve been getting more and more reports, including a surge of them last week,” said Christine Kim.
Enigma Labs’ statistics reveal that over 50% of reports describe drones as “hovering” and that a quarter of them move in swarms. With reports of SUVsized drones returning post-lifted FAA limits, the public remains unsettled. Despite federal assurances of no immediate threat, the mysterious presence of drones calls for vigilant monitoring.
Sources:
https://nypost.com/2025/01/25/us-news/northeast-drone-sightings-surge-again-after-faa-limits-lifted/
