Maricopa’s congressman wants to DEFEND the country from foreign drones.

Rep. Eli Crane (R-02) introduced legislation Thursday that would require the Department of Homeland Security to conduct annual assessments of drone threats posed by foreign adversaries and terrorist groups, according to a press release.  

The proposal, called the Detecting and Evaluating Foreign Exploitation of Novel Drones Act, or DEFEND Act, would amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002. Crane said the measure is designed to address what he described as an “intelligence blind spot.”

Drones have become increasingly common in modern warfare, used for surveillance and targeted strikes. Crane’s office said their growing availability and adaptability pose risks to critical infrastructure, civilian populations and national security, including the potential delivery of chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear weapons.

If passed, the bill would require DHS to submit an annual classified report to Congress evaluating terrorism threats involving drones, along with an unclassified version released publicly.

“As drone technology rapidly transforms the modern battlefield, Congress can’t afford to be in the dark on these evolving threats. Due to the widespread availability of drones, adaptable payloads and remote capabilities, America must maintain a decisive tactical advantage … to defend our homeland,” Crane said.

On the homefront, increased drone activity has already drawn attention from federal and state agencies, including the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security, and has prompted questions from Maricopa residents about what they are seeing in the sky.

Rancho El Dorado resident Marcus Griffin shared his concerns last year after noticing repeated nighttime drone activity near his neighborhood.

“I will add to the HYPE: Has anyone ever paid attention to the DRONE activity around Maricopa at night?” Griffin questioned. “I live in the back of [Rancho] adjacent to the farmer fields and I see large drones operating on a regular.” 

Others have gone further, speculating that local law enforcement uses drones for routine patrol or surveillance. The Pinal County Sheriff’s Office has repeatedly denied that claim.

“PCSO does not use drones for daily patrol operations,” a spokesperson told InMaricopa last year.