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El Paso Airport Briefly Closed After Drone Incident
Customs and Border Protection used a military laser weapon to target a suspected cartel drone, leading to chaos and confusion.
Published on Feb. 13, 2026
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The Federal Aviation Administration temporarily shut down the El Paso airport on February 11 after the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency used a military laser weapon to target a suspected cartel drone without informing the FAA. The incident caused chaos, but it later emerged that the 'drone' was actually just a wayward party balloon. The event highlighted the growing challenges of countering the use of drones for nefarious purposes and the potential risks of local law enforcement using advanced anti-drone technology.
Why it matters
The El Paso incident underscores the growing threat posed by drones, particularly near sensitive infrastructure like airports, and the lack of clear protocols for how to respond. It also raises questions about whether local law enforcement should be empowered to use military-grade anti-drone technology, given the risks of collateral damage.
The details
According to reports, the Pentagon allowed the CBP to borrow a 20-kilowatt LOCUST direct-energy laser weapon from the nearby Fort Bliss military base to target suspected cartel drones. However, the CBP used the weapon without informing the FAA, which then shut down the El Paso airport out of an abundance of caution. The airport was reopened within a few hours after it became clear the 'drone' was actually just a party balloon.
- The incident occurred on February 11, 2026.
- The FAA initially said the airport would be closed for 10 days, corresponding to the length of time the CBP had the laser weapon.
- The airport was reopened within a few hours after the 'drone' was identified as a party balloon.
The players
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
The federal law enforcement agency that was loaned a military laser weapon to target suspected cartel drones near the El Paso airport.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
The government agency responsible for air traffic control, which shut down the El Paso airport out of safety concerns after the CBP used the laser weapon without informing them.
AeroVironment Inc.
The Virginia-based company that developed the 20-kilowatt LOCUST direct-energy laser weapon used by the CBP near the El Paso airport.
What they’re saying
“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”
— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)
What’s next
The FAA and other federal agencies will likely review protocols for the use of military-grade anti-drone technology near sensitive infrastructure like airports.
The takeaway
The El Paso incident highlights the growing challenges of countering drone threats, the need for better coordination between federal and local law enforcement, and the potential risks of empowering local police to use advanced anti-drone technology without proper safeguards.
