The Pentagon said it shot down a “seemingly threatening” drone near the U.S.-Mexico border Thursday, prompting aviation officials to expand flight restrictions around an area of Fort Hancock, Texas

Friday, February 27, 2026 at 6:07 AM

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) temporarily closed airspace around El Paso, Texas, for several hours before reopening it, citing the Pentagon's authorization of a laser to shoot down what was believed to be a Mexican drone.

However, the object was later identified as a mylar party balloon. This incident highlighted a lack of coordination between the FAA and the Pentagon.

While the Trump administration stated the closure was due to a cartel drone threat, local officials, including U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar and El Paso Mayor Renard Johnson, expressed skepticism and criticized the lack of communication, comparing the disruption to post-9/11 events.

Senator Ted Cruz is seeking more information on interagency coordination.

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The Pentagon said it shot down a “seemingly threatening” drone near the U.S.-Mexico border Thursday, prompting aviation officials to expand flight restrictions around an area of Fort Hancock, Texaswsj.com

Texas airspace shut after Pentagon shoots down border patrol drone - Axiosaxios.com

Pentagon let CBP use anti-drone laser before FAA closed El Paso airspace, AP sources say - AP Newsapnews.com

El Paso airspace closure due to use of U.S. military anti-drone technology - NPRnpr.org

Pentagon let CBP use anti-drone laser before FAA closed El Paso airspace, AP sources say - FOX19 | Cincinnatifox19.com

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The Pentagon said it shot down a “seemingly threatening” drone near the U.S.-Mexico border Thursday, prompting aviation officials to expand flight restrictions around an area of Fort Hancock, Texas

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