FAA Lockdown Follows Cartel Drone Breach Over El Paso

Transportation Secretary says airspace shutdown was in response to cartel drone incursion, raising questions about border threats

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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According to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, a cartel drone incursion over El Paso, Texas prompted the FAA to impose an unprecedented national-defense airspace shutdown over the city and surrounding areas. The FAA and Department of Homeland Security have not provided further details on the incident or the reasons behind the sudden lockdown and subsequent lifting of the airspace restrictions.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing threat of cartel activity and cross-border incursions, even in U.S. airspace. It raises questions about the federal government's preparedness and response to such threats, as well as the potential use of weaponized drones by criminal organizations along the border.

The details

Secretary Duffy stated that the FAA locked down El Paso's airspace under a deadly-force order in response to the cartel drone breach. However, other federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security and Customs and Border Protection, have not provided any additional information about the specifics of the incident or the threat. The airspace restrictions were lifted just hours after being imposed, further adding to the uncertainty surrounding the event.

  • On February 11, 2026, the FAA imposed a national-defense airspace shutdown over El Paso and eastern New Mexico.
  • The airspace restrictions were lifted later the same day.

The players

Sean Duffy

The U.S. Secretary of Transportation who announced the cartel drone incursion and the FAA's response.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

The U.S. government agency that imposed the national-defense airspace shutdown over El Paso in response to the reported cartel drone breach.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

The federal agency that oversees border security and did not provide any additional details about the cartel drone incident.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

The federal agency responsible for border security that also did not respond to requests for information about the cartel drone incursion.

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What they’re saying

“The FAA and DOW acted swiftly to address a cartel drone incursion. The threat has been neutralized, and there is no danger to commercial travel in the region.”

— Sean Duffy, U.S. Secretary of Transportation (Social media)

What’s next

It remains unclear if any further investigation or action will be taken by federal agencies to address the reported cartel drone breach over El Paso. The lack of transparency from the government raises concerns about the potential security vulnerabilities along the U.S.-Mexico border.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the ongoing challenges in securing U.S. airspace and borders against threats from transnational criminal organizations. It highlights the need for improved coordination and information-sharing among federal agencies to effectively respond to such incursions and protect public safety.