[Vince Ferrer]

The documents show that CBP specified that the "tracking accuracy should be sufficient to allow target designation," and the agency notes on its Web site that its Predator B series is capable of "targeting and weapons delivery" (the military version carries multiple 100-pound Hellfire missiles). CBP says, however, that its Predator aircraft are unarmed.

[omega4179]

So your Cell phone gets you to pay for #obamaphone and its a targeting and tracking device for Big Sis all for the privilege of paying $100 a month to Verizon.

[USNBandit]

One of the things that many here won't believe is that these aircraft still have to be operated within the laws of this country, when operated inside the United States. The case precedence is very clear on the use of airborne assets and sensors when it applies to private property. There are also a lot of restrictions on the use of ELINT equipment inside the U.S. The key is that platforms used by CBP operate right on the border and look over the line where they can use that equipment.

Much of the language that causes concern is written by people trying to inflate their own importance. The CBP Predator program in reality is a failure. It sucks funds away from things that work into a capability that is seldom used and is locked on limited tracks allowed by the FAA. The contract with General Atomics is practically criminal in its lack of accountability. Several years ago a Predator being flown by General Atomics contract pilots was crashed due to gross incompetence and negligence. Because of the way the contract is written, CBP still pays an outrageous amount of money every year, to General Atomics, for Ku band time on that aircraft that is now in the trash heap.

CBP Air would be a lot better off with a mid size turbine airplane capable of carrying the same sensors for a lot less money. You could buy several of these for the cost of the Predator and use the same crews to fly those aircraft. The advantage would be cost, a lower mishap rate, and CBP could operate it anywhere in the U.S. without a permission slip from the FAA.

The only capability the Predator has brought to its limited operating area has been VADER, an MTI radar capable of detecting and tracking groups on foot. Then again that could have been bought for a manned aircraft.

[Seizethecarp]

“...the agency notes on its Web site that its Predator B series is capable of ‘targeting and weapons delivery’”

All it takes is a secret or “emergency” presidential directive to arm the “capable” drones, such as allowing the Secret Service to use armed drones to protect POTUS or deal with an emergent domestic terror situation like the DC sniper.

I have seen nothing to preclude that from having happened already and drones have already been spotted near POTUS appearances.