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US Laser System Mistakenly Fired at Balloons Near El Paso Airport
Incident prompts criticism over lack of coordination between federal agencies
Published on Feb. 13, 2026
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The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) deployed a secret high-energy laser weapon system to combat drones on the southern border, but mistakenly fired at ordinary balloons, leading to a temporary flight restriction around the El Paso airport and chaos for passengers. The incident has sparked criticism from lawmakers over the lack of coordination between the FAA, Pentagon, and Department of Homeland Security.
Why it matters
This case highlights the challenges of integrating new military technologies into civilian airspace and the need for better coordination between federal agencies to ensure public safety. The use of advanced weapons systems near commercial airports raises serious concerns about the potential risks to civil aviation.
The details
The CBP was testing the laser weapon system, which is designed to combat drones, on the southern border. However, the system mistakenly identified several ordinary balloons as unmanned vehicles from Mexican drug cartels and opened fire. This prompted the FAA to suddenly close the skies over El Paso and southern New Mexico, causing flight cancellations, stranded passengers, and disruptions to medical evacuations. The FAA later lifted the restriction, stating there was no actual threat to civil aviation.
- On February 13, 2026, the CBP deployed the laser weapon system on the southern border near El Paso, Texas.
- The FAA issued a 10-day flight restriction around the El Paso airport shortly after the CBP opened fire on the balloons.
- Less than 8 hours later, the FAA lifted the flight restriction, stating there was no threat to civil aviation.
The players
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
The federal law enforcement agency responsible for securing the U.S. borders, including the deployment of advanced technologies like the high-energy laser weapon system.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
The U.S. government agency responsible for the regulation and oversight of civil aviation, including the temporary closure of airspace around the El Paso airport.
U.S. Congress
Lawmakers, including Senators Maria Cantwell, Ben Ray Lujan, and Ted Cruz, who criticized the lack of coordination between federal agencies and the risks posed to civil aviation.
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)
“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”
— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)
What’s next
The Pentagon and the FAA have promised to improve the rules of interaction and coordination between military and civilian agencies to prevent such incidents from happening again in the future.
The takeaway
This incident highlights the need for better coordination and communication between federal agencies responsible for national security and civil aviation to ensure the safe integration of new military technologies into civilian airspace. The lack of coordination and oversight in this case led to unnecessary disruptions and raised serious concerns about the potential risks to public safety.
