Mexican Cartel Drones Caused Temporary Airspace Closure Near El Paso

Authorities say drones breached US airspace, leading to a brief shutdown of the El Paso airport

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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A temporary flight restriction was issued near El Paso, Texas on Tuesday night due to 'special security reasons', leading to confusion and outcry. A member of the Trump Administration later disclosed that the closure was caused by Mexican cartel drones breaching US airspace, prompting the Department of War to take action to disable the drones. The FAA and Department of War determined there was no longer a threat, and the airspace restrictions were lifted less than 8 hours after being put in place.

Why it matters

The temporary closure of the El Paso airport was the first such major shutdown of a US airport since 9/11, raising concerns about border security and the potential threat posed by Mexican cartel drones. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges of securing US airspace and the need for coordination between federal agencies to address emerging threats.

The details

According to reports, the temporary flight restriction was put in place late Tuesday night, with the FAA citing 'special security reasons' for the closure. Local officials, including Democratic Congresswoman Veronica Escobar, said they were not given advance notice of the shutdown. However, a member of the Trump Administration later disclosed that the closure was caused by Mexican cartel drones breaching US airspace. The Department of War took action to disable the drones, and the FAA and Department of War determined there was no longer a threat, leading to the restrictions being lifted less than 8 hours after being put in place.

  • The temporary flight restriction was put in place late Tuesday night.
  • The airspace restrictions were lifted less than 8 hours after being put in place on Wednesday morning.

The players

Veronica Escobar

Democratic Congresswoman representing the El Paso area, who said her office was not given advance notice of the airport closure.

Sean Duffy

Secretary in the Trump Administration, who disclosed that Mexican cartel drones caused the airspace closure.

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What they’re saying

“From what my office and I have been able to gather overnight and early this morning there is no immediate threat to the community or surrounding areas. There was no advance notice provided to my office, the City of El Paso, or anyone involved in airport operations.”

— Veronica Escobar, Democratic Congresswoman (X)

“Mexican cartel drones breached US airspace. The Department of War took action to disable the drones. The FAA and DOW have determined there is no threat to commercial travel.”

— Sean Duffy, Secretary (The New York Post)

What’s next

Authorities will likely investigate the details of the cartel drone incursion, including how the drones were able to breach US airspace and what their intended purpose was. There may also be increased scrutiny and security measures implemented at the El Paso airport and along the US-Mexico border to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the ongoing security challenges posed by Mexican cartels and the need for robust border security and coordination between federal agencies to address emerging threats to US airspace and infrastructure. It also raises questions about the vulnerability of US airports to potential drone-based attacks or disruptions.