Gizmodo reports the Department of Homeland Security deployed aircraft in Dayton, Ohio, New York City, Buffalo, and Philadelphia, among other cities.
The drones and aircraft were taking footage of protesters demonstrating over the death of George Floyd by the police.
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.
CBP officials stated that the aircraft were used to provide “an eagle-eyed view of violent acts and arson."
Alarmed civil liberties experts say the surveillance aircraft could discourage people from protesting.
Nearly three dozen Congressional Democrats have stated that government surveillance has led to an increase in downloads of encrypted messaging apps.