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US Military Used Laser to Down Border Patrol Drone, Lawmakers Say
FAA closes airspace near El Paso after second laser incident in two weeks
Published on Feb. 27, 2026
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The U.S. military used a laser to shoot down a Customs and Border Protection drone, members of Congress said Thursday, prompting the Federal Aviation Administration to close more airspace near El Paso, Texas. This is the second time in two weeks that a laser has been fired in the area, raising concerns about coordination between government agencies.
Why it matters
The use of lasers to take down drones raises questions about the protocols and communication between the military, FAA, and Department of Homeland Security when it comes to securing the border and airspace. This incident highlights ongoing challenges in managing the growing threat of drones, especially near sensitive areas like the U.S.-Mexico border.
The details
In the latest incident, the military employed counter-drone authorities to mitigate a seemingly threatening unmanned aerial system operating within military airspace. The earlier laser firing did not hit a target but was done by the CBP near Fort Bliss, about 50 miles northwest, and prompted the FAA to shut down air traffic at El Paso airport and the surrounding area. This time, the airspace closure was smaller and did not affect commercial flights.
- On February 27, 2026, the U.S. military used a laser to shoot down a Customs and Border Protection drone.
- Two weeks prior, an anti-drone laser was deployed by CBP near Fort Bliss, prompting the FAA to close the El Paso airspace.
The players
U.S. Military
The U.S. armed forces, which employed counter-drone authorities to mitigate a threat to military airspace.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
The federal law enforcement agency that operates along the U.S. borders, including deploying an anti-drone laser near Fort Bliss.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
The government agency responsible for regulating and overseeing civil aviation, which closed airspace near El Paso in response to the laser incidents.
U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen
A Democratic member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure and Homeland Security committees who criticized the Trump administration's handling of the situation.
Sen. Tammy Duckworth
The ranking Democratic member on the Senate's Aviation Subcommittee, who called for independent investigations into the incident.
What they’re saying
“Our heads are exploding over the news.”
— U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen, House Transportation and Infrastructure and Homeland Security committees (taylorvilledailynews.com)
“The Trump administration's incompetence continues to cause chaos in our skies.”
— Sen. Tammy Duckworth, Senate Aviation Subcommittee (taylorvilledailynews.com)
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 incident highlights the ongoing challenges in coordinating between government agencies to secure the U.S. border and airspace, especially as drone technology becomes more prevalent and poses increasing threats to aviation safety and national security.
