The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) imposed a 10-day flight restriction on airspace around El Paso after a communications breakdown with the Pentagon and the Department of Homeland Security. This move came following the temporary transfer of a laser-based counter-drone weapon to DHS personnel, which was used to neutralize a perceived threat from Mexican drug cartels flying drones across the US border.
The FAA lifted the restrictions after determining there is no ongoing danger to commercial aviation. Officials stated that the laser system was launched at something innocuous – likely a Mylar balloon – and that the Pentagon had temporarily transferred the counter-drone operation to DHS due to scheduling conflicts with their own safety meetings.
However, concerns remain as Democrats raised questions over the confusion and lack of clear communication between government agencies. The FAA’s decision has been criticized for being an “extraordinary step” taken without advance notice to local authorities or the public.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/transportation/2026/02/11/el-paso-us-airport-texas-faa-restrictions