The FBI has a dedicated team of over a dozen agents actively investigating unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs), commonly referred to as UFOs. According to former Navy pilot Ryan Graves, these agents are focused on identifying potential legal and security risks posed by unidentified objects operating in U.S. airspace. Their work isn’t just about law enforcement, it also involves counterintelligence, especially when these sightings happen near military bases or busy civilian areas.

The group has been active since around 2020, and Graves has been in touch with them for about a year and a half. They gather reports, many from military pilots, and follow up with investigations, sometimes collecting more witness testimonies. While the agents have been making progress, Graves is worried about potential job cuts in the FBI, particularly because of broader layoffs tied to the January 6th cases. He’s urging the White House to step in and make sure this team gets the support it needs. Despite concerns about whistleblowers, he says pilots and other witnesses appreciate the FBI’s involvement and are sharing valuable information that could help national security.