House Democrats Demand Classified Briefing on El Paso Airspace Shutdown

Lawmakers seek answers on conflicting reports and alleged lack of coordination behind the abrupt closure.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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A trio of House Democratic lawmakers have sent a letter to multiple Trump administration agency heads, including the Transportation, Defense, and Homeland Security Secretaries, demanding a classified briefing on the bungled operation in El Paso, Texas airspace that triggered a shutdown of the local airport. The lawmakers expressed concerns over conflicting reports on the cause of the airspace closure, as well as an alleged lack of coordination between federal agencies in deploying counter-drone technology.

Why it matters

The abrupt and unexplained shutdown of the El Paso airport has raised questions about transparency and coordination within the Trump administration, particularly around the use of advanced counter-drone technology. The lawmakers are concerned that the lack of information provided to Congress could indicate a potential cover-up of what really happened.

The details

According to the letter, the airspace closure, which was initially set to last 10 days but was lifted after seven hours, has led to multiple agencies offering conflicting reports on the cause - ranging from an alleged 'cartel drone incursion' to the shoot-down of a party balloon. The lawmakers also understand that the Department of Homeland Security and Department of Defense deployed counter-drone technology without the required coordination with the FAA, which they say "introduces unnecessary and dangerous risk into U.S. airspace."

  • The airspace closure began on February 11, 2026.
  • The closure was initially set to last 10 days but was lifted after 7 hours.

The players

Bennie Thompson

U.S. Representative from Mississippi and chair of the House Homeland Security Committee.

Rick Larsen

U.S. Representative from Washington and chair of the House Aviation Subcommittee.

Adam Smith

U.S. Representative from Washington and chair of the House Armed Services Committee.

Sean Duffy

U.S. Secretary of Transportation under the Trump administration.

Pete Hegseth

U.S. Secretary of Defense under the Trump administration.

Kristi Noem

U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security under the Trump administration.

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What they’re saying

“Since the FAA's issuance of temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) beginning on February 11, which have since been rescinded, there are conflicting reports on the cause for this abrupt airspace closure, ranging from an alleged 'cartel drone incursion' to a shoot-down of a party balloon.”

— Bennie Thompson, Rick Larsen, Adam Smith, U.S. Representatives (Letter to Trump Administration Officials)

“Even more concerning, we understand that the Department of Homeland Security and Department of Defense deployed this complex C-UAS technology without required coordination with the FAA. This lack of coordination and transparency with Congress on C-UAS missions introduces unnecessary and dangerous risk into U.S. airspace.”

— Bennie Thompson, Rick Larsen, Adam Smith, U.S. Representatives (Letter to Trump Administration Officials)

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.