Customs and Border Protection used anti-drone laser before FAA closed El Paso airspace

The sudden closure, which was quickly reversed, fueled fear and speculation online

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The sudden shutdown of airspace in El Paso, Texas earlier this week was due to a lack of communication over the use of an anti-drone laser by Customs and Border Protection during an apparent attempt to stop operations by Mexican drug cartels, according to reports. The use of the laser, sanctioned by the Pentagon but not relayed to aviation authorities, resulted in the sudden closure of the airspace by the Federal Aviation Administration late Tuesday. The ban was lifted just hours later, with officials citing no immediate threat to the community.

Why it matters

The sudden and unexplained closure of the El Paso airport, a major regional hub, caused significant disruption and raised concerns about transparency and communication between federal agencies and local authorities. The incident highlights the challenges of balancing national security measures with the needs of the traveling public.

The details

Customs and Border Protection used an anti-drone laser near the U.S.-Mexico border, which they believed was targeting cartel drones. However, officials later said the 'threat' turned out to be a party balloon. The laser use was not properly communicated to the FAA, leading the agency to abruptly close the El Paso airspace to ensure commercial air safety.

  • On February 11, the FAA announced a 10-day closure of the airspace over El Paso.
  • Just hours later on February 12, the FAA lifted the temporary airspace closure.

The players

Customs and Border Protection

A federal law enforcement agency that is part of the Department of Homeland Security, responsible for border security and enforcement.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

The agency of the United States Department of Transportation responsible for the regulation and oversight of civil aviation.

Department of Defense

The executive department of the U.S. federal government responsible for coordinating and supervising all agencies and functions of the government directly related to national security and the United States Armed Forces.

Veronica Escobar

A U.S. Representative who represents El Paso, Texas.

Renard Johnson

The Mayor of El Paso, Texas.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The highly consequential decision by FAA to shut down the El Paso Airport for 10 days is unprecedented and has resulted in significant concern within the community.”

— Veronica Escobar, U.S. Representative (X)

“I want to be very, very clear that this should've never happened. You cannot restrict air space over a major city without coordinating with the city, the airport, the hospitals, the community leadership...That failure to communicate is unacceptable.”

— Renard Johnson, Mayor of El Paso (News conference)

What’s next

The Department of Defense and the FAA are scheduled to meet later this month to discuss the use of anti-drone technology and coordination with aviation authorities.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the need for better communication and coordination between federal agencies and local authorities when it comes to national security measures that impact the public. The sudden and unexplained closure of a major airport caused significant disruption and raised concerns about transparency.