Mexico's President Denies Drone Incursion Allegations

Claudia Sheinbaum rejects claims of Mexican drones entering U.S. airspace near El Paso

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum has denied U.S. allegations that Mexican drones entered American airspace near El Paso, Texas, after the Federal Aviation Administration briefly shut down and then reopened the city's airspace. Sheinbaum stated that there is no information on drone usage at the border, contradicting claims from U.S. officials who said the Defense Department had 'neutralized' a drone-related threat.

Why it matters

The alleged drone incursion and subsequent airspace closure have sparked confusion and raised tensions between the U.S. and Mexico, two neighboring countries with a complex relationship. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges in securing the border region and the potential for miscommunication or misunderstandings between the two nations.

The details

According to reports, the Federal Aviation Administration halted flights late Tuesday, initially announcing a 10-day restriction before lifting it hours later. Local officials said they received no prior explanation for the sudden closure, which caused confusion among travelers and the public.

  • The alleged drone incursion occurred on Tuesday, February 11, 2026.
  • The FAA temporarily shut down and then reopened the airspace in El Paso on the same day.

The players

Claudia Sheinbaum

The current President of Mexico, who has denied the U.S. allegations of Mexican drone incursions into American airspace.

U.S. Officials

Unspecified U.S. authorities who claimed the Defense Department had 'neutralized' a drone-related threat near El Paso, Texas.

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What they’re saying

“'There is no information on drone usage at the border,'”

— Claudia Sheinbaum, President of Mexico

What’s next

The incident is still developing, and it remains to be seen whether further investigations or diplomatic discussions will take place between the U.S. and Mexico to address the alleged drone incursion and the subsequent airspace closure.

The takeaway

This event highlights the ongoing tensions and challenges in securing the U.S.-Mexico border region, as well as the potential for miscommunication and misunderstandings between the two countries. It underscores the need for improved coordination and transparency between the nations to address cross-border issues effectively.