Feds Shoot Down Balloon, Not Drone, Near Border

Concerns over Mexican cartel drones persist despite confusion over recent incident

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Federal authorities apparently shot down a balloon, not a drone, near the U.S.-Mexico border, sparking concerns over the growing use of drones by Mexican criminal organizations. While cartel drones are being used to smuggle drugs and surveil border security, experts say the cartels are unlikely to directly attack Americans or U.S. law enforcement, fearing retaliation from the U.S. government.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the evolving threat posed by cartel drones, which are being used for drug smuggling and surveillance along the border. While no drones have yet posed a deadly threat inside U.S. territory, experts warn it is only a matter of time before Americans or law enforcement are targeted.

The details

In a recent incident, federal authorities apparently shot down a balloon, not a drone, near the U.S.-Mexico border, leading to an eight-hour closure of the El Paso International Airport. The Department of Homeland Security has tracked tens of thousands of suspected drone sightings in recent years, but none have yet posed a deadly threat inside the U.S. Experts say Mexican cartels are using drones with greater frequency and growing capabilities, including surveilling U.S. law enforcement and smuggling drugs. Inside Mexico, the cartels have begun outfitting drones with explosives to attack rival criminal organizations and security forces.

  • On February 10, 2026, the El Paso International Airport was closed for eight hours due to a 'cartel drone incursion'.
  • In the last six months of 2024, border agents detected more than 27,000 drones near the U.S.-Mexico border, many flying above the legal altitude and at night.

The players

Department of Homeland Security

The U.S. government agency responsible for tracking drone activity and deploying counter-drone technologies along the border.

Juan Camilo Jaramillo

A Colombia-based investigator for the cartel research group InSight Crime.

Austin Doctor

The director of strategic initiatives at the University of Nebraska's National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology and Education Center.

Roberta Jacobson

A former U.S. ambassador to Mexico and co-founder of consultancy Dinámica Americas.

Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo

The President of Mexico.

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What they’re saying

“That is a line they aren't going to cross.”

— Juan Camilo Jaramillo, Investigator, InSight Crime

“it is only a matter of time before Americans or law enforcement are targeted in the border region.”

— Steven Willoughby, Director, DHS counter-drone program (Senate hearing)

“The threat has been neutralized, and there is no danger to commercial travel.”

— Sean Duffy, Transportation Department Secretary (X (social media)

“If the FAA or any other part of the U.S. government has any information, they can ask the Mexican government (about it). We will maintain what we have always maintained: permanent communication.”

— Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, President of Mexico

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.