UVA were designed to be operated in extremely high threat areas over the battlefield. Last time I checked, alien and dope smugglers were not using SAMs to down our Border Patrol aircraft.
It takes something like 10 people to operate a UAV, operator and support personnel. A helicopter only takes one, and 1 full time mechanic for every three birds. I have not seen a cost comparison but I am sure UAVs have a significantly higher hourly operational cost.
Additionally a manned aircraft has multiple capabilities and flexibilities that a UAV does not. You can’t yank and back a UAV and get down in the weeds. The only advantage I am aware of is that UAVs have an advantage in linger time over the operational area. Hence they can stay aloft 2 to 3 times longer that a manned aircraft without refueling.
I agree, manned aircraft are the way to go, unless you want to hire another 10,000 Agents to apprehend to the illegals the UAV's spot.