El Paso Airspace Shutdown Linked to Pentagon-FAA Dispute

Conflicting explanations given for closing Texas airspace, which was rescinded hours later

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The mysterious shutdown of the skies over El Paso appears to have started with a dispute between the Pentagon and the FAA over plans to test a high-energy laser system to knock down drones near the border. The FAA abruptly issued a notice shutting down low-altitude airspace for up to 10 days, without notifying the White House, Pentagon, or Homeland Security. The restrictions were lifted within hours after the White House intervened, with officials later acknowledging that at least one target was a party balloon, not a cartel drone.

Why it matters

The sudden and unexplained airspace closure over El Paso raised concerns about transparency and communication between federal agencies, as well as the potential use of aggressive countermeasures against drones near civilian air traffic. It also highlighted the ongoing challenge of combating drug cartel drones along the U.S.-Mexico border.

The details

Multiple sources told CBS that the Pentagon had been preparing for months to test a high-energy laser system near Fort Bliss, next to El Paso International Airport, as part of efforts to knock unmanned aircraft out of the sky—particularly cartel drones along the border. Defense Department officials argued they had met legal requirements to protect sensitive facilities from drones, but the FAA still had concerns about running such tests so close to civilian air traffic. On Tuesday night, FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford issued a notice that effectively shut down low-altitude airspace around El Paso, without notifying the White House, Pentagon, or Homeland Security.

  • On Tuesday night, the FAA issued a notice shutting down low-altitude airspace around El Paso for up to 10 days.
  • On Wednesday morning, the White House chief of staff's office discussed the airspace shutdown.
  • Within minutes of the White House discussion, the FAA lifted the airspace restrictions.

The players

Bryan Bedford

FAA Administrator who issued the notice shutting down El Paso airspace without notifying other agencies.

Veronica Escobar

Democratic U.S. Representative who pointed out that drone incursions from Mexico have been occurring for years.

Sean Duffy

U.S. Transportation Secretary who said a "cartel drone incursion" had been neutralized and there was no ongoing danger to commercial flights.

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What they’re saying

“There have been drone incursions from Mexico going back to as long as drones existed.”

— Veronica Escobar, U.S. Representative (CBS News)

What’s next

The FAA and Pentagon are expected to review their coordination procedures and communication protocols to prevent similar airspace shutdowns from occurring without proper notification and planning.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the need for better interagency cooperation and transparency when it comes to national security measures that could impact civilian air travel. It also underscores the ongoing challenges of combating cartel drone activity along the U.S.-Mexico border.