Pentagon Shoots Down CBP Drone in Texas

Federal officials confirm military used laser weapon to down unmanned aerial system near U.S.-Mexico border

Feb. 27, 2026 at 5:07am

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The U.S. Department of Defense shot down a U.S. Customs and Border Protection drone in southwest Texas, federal officials confirmed. The incident occurred in the area of Fort Hancock, a small community located on the U.S.-Mexico border, when the military employed counter-unmanned aircraft system authorities to mitigate what was deemed a threatening drone operating within military airspace.

Why it matters

This marks the second time this month that the U.S. military's use of drones near the southern border in Texas has prompted airspace flight restrictions, raising concerns about coordination and communication between federal agencies responsible for border security and aviation safety.

The details

A U.S. official said a laser weapon was used to down the CBP drone. The incident took place far away from populated areas and there were no commercial aircraft in the vicinity. A temporary flight restriction was already in place around the Fort Hancock area, and it was expanded to include a greater radius to ensure safety.

  • The incident occurred on Wednesday, February 26, 2026.
  • On February 11, 2026, the FAA briefly closed airspace around El Paso over a safety disagreement between the FAA and the Pentagon regarding military drone tests near Fort Bliss.

The players

U.S. Department of Defense

The federal agency responsible for national defense and the U.S. armed forces.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

A federal law enforcement agency under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that is responsible for border security and facilitating lawful trade and travel.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

The federal agency responsible for the regulation and oversight of civil aviation in the United States.

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What they’re saying

“Our heads are exploding over the news that DoD reportedly shot down a Customs and Border Protection drone using a high risk counter-unmanned aircraft system.”

— Reps. Rick Larsen, André Carson and Bennie Thompson, Members of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure

What’s next

The FAA and federal agencies involved will likely review protocols and communication channels to prevent future incidents and ensure coordination on the use of drones and airspace near the U.S.-Mexico border.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the complex and sometimes conflicting priorities of federal agencies responsible for border security, aviation safety, and military operations, underscoring the need for improved interagency coordination and communication when it comes to the use of drones and airspace near sensitive border regions.