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US Military Used Laser to Down Border Protection Drone
Lawmakers criticize Trump administration for lack of coordination between agencies
Published on Feb. 27, 2026
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Members of Congress have revealed that the U.S. military used a laser to shoot down a Customs and Border Protection drone, prompting the Federal Aviation Administration to close 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 different government agencies.
Why it matters
The use of lasers to take down drones highlights the growing threat posed by unmanned aerial vehicles along the U.S. border, as well as the need for better communication and coordination between the military, law enforcement, and aviation authorities. This incident comes amid a larger debate over drone regulations and security measures.
The details
According to lawmakers, the U.S. military used a laser to disable a Customs and Border Protection drone, leading the FAA to close airspace around El Paso. This follows a previous incident two weeks ago where an anti-drone laser was deployed by CBP near Fort Bliss without coordinating with the FAA, resulting in a temporary shutdown of the El Paso airport. Members of Congress have criticized the Trump administration for "sidestepping" a bipartisan bill aimed at improving communication between agencies on drone-related issues.
- On February 27, 2026, the U.S. military used a laser to shoot down a CBP drone.
- Two weeks prior, an anti-drone laser was deployed by CBP near Fort Bliss, prompting the FAA to shut down air traffic at El Paso airport.
The players
U.S. Military
The armed forces of the United States, responsible for the use of the laser to take down the CBP drone.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
A federal law enforcement agency under the Department of Homeland Security, operating drones along the U.S. border.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
The agency responsible for regulating and overseeing civil aviation in the United States, which responded to the incidents by closing airspace around El Paso.
U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen
A Democratic member of the House of Representatives who criticized the Trump administration's handling of the drone-related issues.
Sen. Tammy Duckworth
The ranking Democratic member on the Senate's Aviation Subcommittee, who called for independent investigations into the alarming situation.
What they’re saying
“Our heads are exploding over the news.”
— U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen, House Transportation and Infrastructure and Homeland Security committees (kltv.com)
“The Trump administration's incompetence continues to cause chaos in our skies.”
— Sen. Tammy Duckworth, Ranking member on the Senate's Aviation Subcommittee (kltv.com)
What’s next
The Defense and Transportation departments have been asked to provide more information about the incident, and members of Congress have called for independent investigations into the coordination failures between agencies.
The takeaway
This incident highlights the need for better communication and coordination between the military, law enforcement, and aviation authorities when it comes to the use of drones and counter-drone measures, especially in sensitive border regions. The growing threat of drones requires a more unified and proactive approach to ensure public safety and national security.
