FBI ‘Secret Spy Plane Surveillance Program’ Detailed in Court Records

A small plane flies near Manassas Regional Airport in Manassas, Va. The plane is among a fleet of surveillance aircraft by the FBI, which are primarily used to target suspects under federal investigation. Such planes are capable of taking video of the ground, and some—in rare occasions—can sweep up certain identifying cellphone data. AP Photo/Andrew Harnik

The FBI’s so-called secret spy plane surveillance program is under scrutiny in a Florida terrorism case, where the defendant has asked a federal judge to toss evidence from the bureau’s aerial surveillance activities.

The FBI’s aerial surveillance program was first revealed in June 2015 by The Associated Press, which reported that the bureau maintained a civilian air force through private shell companies. The FBI admitted to the program days later.