El Paso Airport Shutdown Raises Questions About Communication

Local officials criticize federal response to alleged cartel drone threat as 'overkill' and 'miscommunication'

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The Federal Aviation Administration's decision to shut down El Paso International Airport for 10 days due to an alleged cartel drone incursion from Mexico has drawn criticism from local officials, who say the response was disproportionate and lacked clear communication. While former Border Patrol chief Victor Manjarrez Jr. acknowledges the real threat of cartel drones on the border, he and others argue the FAA and federal agencies failed to properly coordinate with state and local law enforcement.

Why it matters

The airport shutdown inconvenienced hundreds of travelers and raised concerns about the government's ability to effectively respond to emerging security threats along the U.S.-Mexico border without causing undue disruption and panic in local communities. The incident highlights the need for better communication and coordination between federal, state, and local authorities when addressing border security issues.

The details

The FAA initially announced the 10-day shutdown, citing an alleged cartel drone incursion from Mexico. However, officials later said the shutdown was prompted by Defense Department testing of drone countermeasures that the FAA feared could endanger aircraft. Local representatives, such as U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez, D-New Mexico, criticized the federal response as 'disproportionate' and a 'coverup for their incompetence.' Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum also said she had no knowledge of any drone threat. Former Border Patrol chief Manjarrez acknowledged the real threat of cartel drones but said the government's poor communication and coordination with state and local law enforcement was a 'great case study of very poor communication between federal agencies.'

  • On February 9, the FAA announced the 10-day shutdown of El Paso International Airport.
  • The FAA lifted the restrictions after just 7 hours on February 9.

The players

Victor Manjarrez, Jr.

A former U.S. Border Patrol chief in West Texas and Arizona who says the threat of cartel drones on the border is real.

Gabe Vasquez

A U.S. Representative from New Mexico who criticized the federal response as 'disproportionate' and a 'coverup for their incompetence.'

Claudia Sheinbaum

The President of Mexico, who said she had no knowledge of any drone threat on the border.

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What they’re saying

“The use of drones on the border is not new. The cartels are very measured of what they do in the U.S. for fear of our response. […] But there always could be a nutcase there, a lone wolf who says, 'I want to make my mark in life.' That is what I fear.”

— Victor Manjarrez, Jr., Former U.S. Border Patrol chief (fourstateshomepage.com)

“Through my conversations with federal and local officials, it has become abundantly clear the FAA was tracking the DOD's counter drone tests for multiple days, and the FAA responded — in error — with the disproportionate response of abruptly closing our airspace for 10 days.”

— Gabe Vasquez, U.S. Representative (fourstateshomepage.com)

“There is no information of drone use or drones on the border. If they have any information, the FAA or any agency of government of the United States, they can (contact) the Government of Mexico.”

— Claudia Sheinbaum, President of Mexico (fourstateshomepage.com)

What’s next

The FAA and Department of Defense are expected to review their communication protocols and coordination with state and local authorities to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the need for improved information-sharing and joint response planning between federal, state, and local agencies when addressing emerging security threats along the U.S.-Mexico border. Overreacting to potential threats without clear evidence and communication can create unnecessary disruption and fear in local communities.