Citizens, Authorities Concerned After Homeland Security Helicopter Seen Over Bad Axe

BAD AXE (WWJ) -- Residents and officials became concerned Friday when a Homeland Security helicopter was seen flying over the area of Bad Axe.

Huron County Sheriff Kelly J. Hanson said he called the Aviation Unit in Detroit to find out more information about what the chopper's purpose was in the area, the Huron Daily Tribune reported Saturday.

"I wasn't satisfied with their answer to say the least, but I was told [the helicopter] was taking photos," he explained. "I made them well aware that people are concerned, especially with what's going on in the media."

Federal officials stated in an email obtained by the Huron Daily Tribune that there is no cause for concern and that the helicopter was flying a routine mission along the U.S.-Canada border.

The helicopters seen are assigned to the Great Lakes Air and Marine Branch Selfridge ANGB in Harrison Township, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Public Affairs Officer Kris Grogan said in the statement.

"The Great Lakes Air and Marine Branch is responsible for more than 1,000 miles of international border with Canada, which is patrolled by both aircraft and vessels," Grogan said in the email.