Drones reappear over the northeast, 'ban or no ban;' Trump's backup plane grounded after drone sighting
'Exceptionally large' craft often travel in 'swarms.'
Mysterious drone reports are increasing again, particularly in the northeast U.S., as the Federal Aviation Administration has lifted the temporary ban on drone flights in the region.
Enigma Labs tracks reports of UAP, compiling reports from eyewitnesses. The data describes many of the “drone-like " objects as “exceptionally large.” Many remain hovering for hours, and reports say the crafts often travel in “swarms.”
The FAA imposed drone flight restrictions in New Jersey and New York, but that ban was lifted on January 19.
“You look at the reports that people are submitting. They’re saying, you know, ‘I’m still seeing them, ban or no ban, and they’re happening,’” Enigma spokesperson Christine Kim told NBC's Today show on Monday.
The unidentified drones have been spotted over military installations and nuclear power plants, including in Louisiana, far from the cluster of sightings in the northeast.
In 2024, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission updated its regulations to require nuclear power plant licensees to report sightings of drones over their facilities. These reports are sent to the NRC, the Federal Aviation Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and local law enforcement.
Saturday, fighter jets and a military helicopter were scrambled on an alert when a potential drone sighting was reported near one of President Donald Trump's auxiliary aircraft.
Air Force One, the president’s official aircraft, landed safely in Miami, Florida, Saturday, but the POTUS backup aircraft SAM47 USAF Boeing C-32A/757 was put on a temporary hold when a possible drone was spotted around Freeway Airport.
The jets were unable to intercept the “target of interest,” and the object disappeared from radar.
This is a developing story that will be updated.