US Military Intercepts Mexican Cartel Drones Breaching El Paso Airspace

The White House says the Pentagon took action to disable the drones, leading to a temporary airspace shutdown.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The US government temporarily restricted flights over El Paso, Texas after Mexican cartel drones breached US airspace, according to the White House. The Pentagon took action to disable the drones, though it's unclear if they were shot down or jammed using electronic warfare. The airspace restrictions were lifted after several hours once the threat was addressed.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the growing threat posed by cartel drones, which have been used for drug smuggling and other illicit operations. It also demonstrates the US military's ability to respond quickly to airspace incursions, even those originating from across the border.

The details

A Trump administration official stated that "Mexican cartel drones breached US airspace" and that the "Pentagon took action to disable the drones." The FAA and Pentagon confirmed there was no longer a threat to commercial travel. While the exact method used to disable the drones was not disclosed, a social media post from the Pentagon suggested lasers may have been involved.

  • On Tuesday at 11:30 PM MT, the FAA issued a surprise notice shutting down the airspace above El Paso for 10 days.
  • On Wednesday at around 7 AM MT, the FAA lifted the temporary airspace closure, stating "all flights will resume as normal."

The players

Trump Administration Official

A senior government official who provided details on the cartel drone incursion and the Pentagon's response.

Pentagon

The US Department of Defense, which took action to disable the Mexican cartel drones that breached US airspace.

Veronica Escobar

A US Representative whose congressional district includes El Paso, who called the FAA's decision to temporarily restrict the airspace "unprecedented."

Sean Duffy

The US Transportation Secretary, who stated the FAA and Pentagon "acted swiftly" to address the "cartel drone incursion."

Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering

A Pentagon advisory office that published a photo suggesting lasers may have been used to disable the cartel drones.

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What they’re saying

“Mexican cartel drones breached US airspace”

— Trump Administration Official (Business Insider)

“The FAA and Pentagon have determined there is no threat to commercial travel”

— Trump Administration Official (Business Insider)

“The FAA and Pentagon acted swiftly to address what I described as a cartel drone incursion”

— Sean Duffy, US Transportation Secretary (Social Media)

“Unprecedented”

— Veronica Escobar, US Representative (Business Insider)

“Defend the homeland”

— Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (Social Media)

What’s next

The Pentagon and FAA have not provided additional details on the specific methods used to disable the cartel drones or whether any drugs were being transported. Further information may be released as the investigation continues.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the growing threat posed by cartel drones and the US military's ability to quickly respond to airspace incursions. It also highlights the need for continued vigilance and coordination between federal agencies to protect US borders and critical infrastructure from such emerging threats.