The Pentagon permitted U.S. Customs and Border Protection to deploy an anti-drone laser system in El Paso, Texas, on Wednesday before the Federal Aviation Administration moved to close the airspace in the area, according to reports.
The initially announced 10-day closure of airspace above El Paso International Airport was issued early Wednesday by the FAA without warning, then lifted just hours later after officials determined there was no threat to commercial aviation.
The unusual chain of events began when the Pentagon authorized CBP to use a laser designed to counter drones believed to be operated by Mexican drug cartels near the Fort Bliss military post. The FAA was not informed in advance of the laser’s use, prompting it to issue a notice to airmen that said it was restricting flights for “special security reasons.”
After eight hours, the FAA reversed course, lifted the airspace restriction, and resumed normal flights.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said in an X post on Wednesday morning that federal agencies were acting to address cartel drones in U.S. airspace.
“The FAA and [Department of War] acted swiftly to address a cartel drone incursion,” Duffy said. “The threat has been neutralized, and there is no danger to commercial travel in the region.”
The abrupt closure disrupted early-morning travel plans for passengers and led to confusion among U.S. and Mexican officials, who said they were not notified before the FAA’s announcement.
The airspace closure comes nearly a year after a midair collision between an Army helicopter and an airliner in Washington, D.C., which shed light on how the FAA and Pentagon have not always communicated well with each other.
Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-TX), whose district includes El Paso, said she was not informed of the closure in advance but noted drone incursions from Mexico are “nothing new.”
El Paso Mayor Renard Johnson likened the brief airspace closure to 9/11 and blamed the FAA for the “unacceptable” lack of clear communication during a possible crisis.
CAUSE OF EL PASO AIRSPACE CLOSURE IN DISPUTE AS CONGRESS QUESTIONS CARTEL DRONE EXPLANATION
While the events of 9/11 were large-scale terrorist attacks, the airspace closure was lifted after two days.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said her government had “no information about the use of drones at the border” and stressed the importance of “permanent communication” with the United States.
