Gizmodo reports the Department of Homeland Security deployed aircraft in Dayton, Ohio, New York City, Buffalo, and Philadelphia, among other cities.<br />The drones and aircraft were taking footage of protesters demonstrating over the death of George Floyd by the police.<br />The footage is now part of the 'Big Pipe,' which can be accessed by other federal agencies and local police departments for use in future investigations.<br />CBP officials stated that the aircraft were used to provide “an eagle-eyed view of violent acts and arson."<br />Alarmed civil liberties experts say the surveillance aircraft could discourage people from protesting.<br />Nearly three dozen Congressional Democrats have stated that government surveillance has led to an increase in downloads of encrypted messaging apps.
