Pentagon-FAA Dispute Over Laser Test Leads to Sudden El Paso Airspace Closure

The temporary shutdown, initially announced for 10 days but lifted after just a few hours, stemmed from the Pentagon's plans to test a laser to shoot down cartel drones.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The sudden and surprising airspace closure over El Paso, Texas, on Wednesday stemmed from the Pentagon's plans to test a laser to shoot down drones used by Mexican drug cartels, according to three people familiar with the situation. The closure, first announced as extending for 10 days but lasting only a few hours, caused disruption for travelers as flights were canceled. The incident highlighted a lack of coordination between the Pentagon and the FAA over security measures along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Why it matters

The airspace closure underscores ongoing tensions between the military and aviation regulators over security measures near the border, where drone incursions by Mexican cartels are a persistent problem. The incident also raises questions about communication and coordination between federal agencies tasked with ensuring public safety and national security.

The details

According to the sources, the Pentagon wanted to test a laser to shoot down cartel drones, but the FAA was concerned about the impact on commercial air traffic and sought to coordinate. This caused friction, leading the FAA to temporarily shut down the airspace over El Paso. The laser was used at some point during the closure, one source said. The airspace reopened after just a few hours, but the abrupt nature of the closure and lack of advance notice to local officials and the public caused significant disruption.

  • The airspace closure occurred on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
  • The closure was initially announced as lasting 10 days but was lifted after just a few hours.

The players

Pentagon

The U.S. Department of Defense, which was planning to test a laser to shoot down drones used by Mexican drug cartels.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

The U.S. government agency responsible for regulating civil aviation, which was concerned about the impact of the Pentagon's laser test on commercial air traffic and sought to coordinate.

Sean Duffy

The U.S. Transportation Secretary, who stated that the airspace closure was due to the Defense Department and FAA halting an incursion by Mexican cartel drones.

Veronica Escobar

A Democratic U.S. Representative whose district includes El Paso, who said the information from the federal government about the closure did not add up.

Tony Gonzales

A Republican U.S. Representative whose district covers a large area along the Texas-Mexico border, who said cartel drone sightings are a common occurrence.

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What they’re saying

“Decisions made without notice and coordination puts lives at risk and creates unnecessary danger and confusion. This was a major and unnecessary disruption, one that has not occurred since 9/11.”

— Renard Johnson, El Paso Mayor

“For any of us who live and work along the border, daily drone incursions by criminal organizations is everyday life for us. It's a Wednesday for us.”

— Tony Gonzales, U.S. Representative

“I believe the FAA owes the community and the country an explanation as to why this happened so suddenly and abruptly and was lifted so suddenly and abruptly.”

— Veronica Escobar, U.S. Representative

What’s next

The Pentagon and FAA are scheduled to meet later this month to further discuss coordination over security measures near the U.S.-Mexico border.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges in balancing national security concerns and public safety, as well as the need for better communication and coordination between federal agencies tasked with protecting the border region.