Pentagon Clash with FAA Leads to Closure of El Paso Airspace

New high-energy laser weapons to target Mexican cartel drones sparked safety concerns

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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A clash between the Pentagon and the Federal Aviation Administration over the use of new high-energy laser weapons to target Mexican cartel drones led to the temporary closure of the airspace over El Paso, Texas. The FAA cited 'a grave risk of fatalities' from the weapon, while the Pentagon deemed it 'necessary' for border security, resulting in a stalemate that disrupted air travel.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the tensions between national security priorities and aviation safety regulations, as well as the challenges of deploying new military technologies near populated areas. The closure of the El Paso airspace caused significant disruptions to air travel in the region, underscoring the broader implications of such conflicts between government agencies.

The details

According to the report, Pentagon staff briefed Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg last spring on plans to use new high-energy laser weapons to take out drones being used by Mexican cartels to smuggle drugs across the southern U.S. border. However, the use of these weapons was contingent on getting approval from aviation safety officials at the FAA and the Transportation Department. Transportation officials could block the system's use if they determined it posed risks to aviation safety. Two sources said Feinberg felt the Pentagon had the authority to proceed anyway, but the Pentagon denied this account.

  • In the early months of 2026, Steve Feinberg became the deputy defense secretary.
  • Just months earlier, in 2025, an Army helicopter collided with a passenger jet near Ronald Reagan National Airport, killing 67 people and putting the military's safety protocols under intense scrutiny.

The players

Steve Feinberg

The deputy secretary of defense at the time of the incident.

Sean Parnell

The chief Pentagon spokesman who denied the account of the meeting between Feinberg and Pentagon staff.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

The agency that cited 'a grave risk of fatalities' from the new military technology and was involved in the stalemate with the Pentagon.

U.S. Department of Transportation

The department that could have blocked the use of the new military technology if it was deemed to pose risks to aviation safety.

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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 judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.