The Chula Vista Police Department has aggressively deployed drones, flying them nearly 20,000 times since 2018, often before officers arrive on scene. A WIRED investigation found the drones disproportionately surveilled poorer, immigrant neighborhoods. While touted as a public safety tool, the persistent overhead cameras have some residents feeling invaded and privacy experts warning of overreach and mission creep. The department defends the transparency of its drone program.