government
Minneapolis City Council rejects drones-as-first-responder pilot, citing ties to Israel, ICE
By Kyle Brown at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC)
· July 16, 2026
· 4 min read
The Minneapolis City Council on Thursday rejected a no-cost drones-as-first-responder pilot program after Council Vice President Jamal Osman, a co-sponsor of the legislation, changed course to cast the deciding “no” vote.
The 75-day trial with California-based Skydio, Inc. would have stationed...
Key takeaway would have stationed drones at Minneapolis Fire Station 14 on the city’s Northside.
Why this matters in The Minneapolis
The Minneapolis City Council's rejection of the drones-as-first-responder pilot program has significant implications for the city's approach to public safety and community trust. Council Vice President Jamal Osman's decision to change his vote was driven by concerns over Skydio's ties to the Israeli military and ICE, which have had a direct impact on the local community. The city's Northside, where the drones were to be stationed, has been a focal point of community pushback against the program. The vote's outcome may embolden community groups to continue pushing for greater accountability and transparency in the city's public safety initiatives. As the city moves forward, it will be important to watch how the council balances the need for innovative public safety solutions with the need to address ethical concerns and build trust with the community. The failed vote may also lead to renewed scrutiny of the city's relationships with contractors and vendors.
About this story
Original reporting by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) . The Minneapolis surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: government ·
Published: July 16, 2026 ·
Source: KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The Minneapolis City Council on Thursday rejected a no-cost drones-as-first-responder pilot program after Council Vice President Jamal Osman, a co-sponsor of the legislation, changed course to cast the deciding “no” vote.
The 75-day trial with California-based Skydio, Inc. would have stationed...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 16, 2026 by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) and curated for The Minneapolis readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Kyle Brown at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC). To learn more about how The Minneapolis selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more government coverage from The Minneapolis, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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