Border Patrol Fired Army Lasers at Party Balloons, Forcing El Paso Air Traffic Shutdown

Incident raises concerns over use of military tech on the border without proper coordination with aviation authorities

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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In a concerning incident, Border Patrol officers fired a U.S. Army laser weapon at what they believed was a drone near El Paso, Texas, but was actually a metallic party balloon. This triggered an emergency shutdown of the airspace over El Paso, disrupting commercial and medical flights. The use of the military laser weapon on the border without proper FAA approval has raised questions about coordination between federal agencies and the safety implications of such actions.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the potential risks of using military technology for border enforcement without adequate oversight and coordination with aviation authorities. It has intensified existing tensions between the Department of Defense and the FAA over airspace management and safety concerns. The shutdown of the El Paso airspace caused significant disruptions, raising questions about the decision-making process and the need for clearer protocols when deploying advanced weapons near civilian air traffic.

The details

Border Patrol officers fired an AeroVironment LOCUST laser counter-drone weapon, on loan from the U.S. Army, at what they believed was a drone near Fort Bliss. However, it was actually a metallic party balloon. This triggered an emergency shutdown of the airspace over El Paso by the FAA, which lasted for several hours and disrupted commercial and medical flights. The use of the military laser weapon on the border was not approved by the FAA, raising concerns about the coordination between federal agencies and the safety implications of such actions.

  • On February 9, in the pre-dawn hours, Border Patrol officers fired the laser weapon at the party balloon near Fort Bliss.
  • Around 5 pm on February 9, a Department of Defense official emailed an FAA lawyer, stating that prior FAA approval was not needed and that the laser weapons would continue to be used on the border.
  • Early on Tuesday evening, February 10, the FAA warned the Pentagon and National Security Council that an airspace shutdown near El Paso was imminent.
  • On Wednesday, February 11, the FAA administrator ordered a 10-day temporary flight restriction, shutting down the airspace below 18,000 feet in the affected area around El Paso.
  • On Wednesday, February 11, the FAA rescinded the airspace shutdown order.

The players

Sean Duffy

The U.S. Transportation Secretary who initially claimed the airspace shutdown was due to a 'cartel drone incursion', before the true cause was revealed.

Steve Feinberg

The Deputy Defense Secretary who was presented with the proposal to arm the Border Patrol with the anti-drone laser weapon.

Bryan Bedford

The FAA administrator who ordered the 10-day temporary flight restriction over El Paso, shutting down the airspace below 18,000 feet.

Renard Johnson

The Mayor of El Paso who criticized the 'unnecessary' airspace shutdown as causing 'chaos and confusion'.

AeroVironment

The company that manufactures the LOCUST laser counter-drone weapon used by the Border Patrol.

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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 FAA and Department of Defense are expected to meet to discuss the use of military laser weapons for border enforcement and the coordination required to ensure aviation safety.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the need for better interagency coordination and clear protocols when deploying advanced military technology near civilian airspace. The safety of the public must be the top priority, and the use of such weapons requires thorough evaluation and approval from all relevant authorities.