US to Hold Classified Briefing on Texas Drone Incidents

Senators to receive update on military and border agency drone incidents that disrupted flights

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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U.S. officials will provide a classified briefing to key senators on Wednesday regarding two recent incidents in Texas involving government drones. The incidents prompted the Federal Aviation Administration to temporarily close airspace and halt flights at an airport near the Mexican border. The briefing will involve officials from the FAA, Pentagon, and Homeland Security Department.

Why it matters

The use of military and border protection agency drone technology near commercial airspace raises concerns about coordination and safety protocols between government agencies. These incidents highlight the growing challenges of managing drone threats while ensuring the safety of civilian air travel.

The details

On February 25, the U.S. military accidentally shot down a government drone using a laser-based anti-drone system, leading the FAA to expand a no-fly zone around Fort Hancock, Texas. On February 18, the FAA halted all flights at the El Paso airport for about 8 hours due to the use of a high-energy laser system by Customs and Border Protection to address drone threats near the Mexican border.

  • On February 25, the U.S. military shot down a government drone.
  • On February 18, the FAA temporarily halted flights at the El Paso airport.

The players

Ted Cruz

A Republican senator from Texas and chair of the Senate Commerce Committee.

Maria Cantwell

The top Democratic senator on the Senate Commerce Committee.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

The U.S. government agency responsible for the regulation and oversight of civil aviation.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

The federal executive department responsible for public security, including border and immigration enforcement.

U.S. Department of Defense

The federal executive department responsible for national defense and the various military branches.

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What they’re saying

“I asked for the classified briefing because I want to understand exactly what's happened.”

— Ted Cruz, Senator (Reuters)

“I hope we're going to hear from them some better plan how we try to address these things in the future. But the environment is changing.”

— Maria Cantwell, Senator (Reuters)

What’s next

The classified briefing for senators is scheduled for Wednesday, March 6, 2026.

The takeaway

These drone incidents near commercial airspace highlight the need for improved coordination and safety protocols between government agencies using advanced drone technology and the Federal Aviation Administration to ensure the continued safe operation of civilian air travel.