When Customs and Border Protection fired a laser thinking it was aiming at cartel drones, leading the FAA to close the airspace over El Paso—and causing an uproar in Washington

Thursday, February 12, 2026 at 11:33 PM

#Airspace Closure #Border Security #El Paso #FAA

The FAA announced a sudden closure of airspace over El Paso due to a perceived threat from cartel drones, which was later clarified to be a misunderstanding involving a laser fired by DHS special forces.

Story Timeline: Pentagon Laser Causes El Paso Airspace Closure

Feb 11, 2026FAA Halts El Paso Flights for Unspecified Security Reasons

Feb 12, 2026The Pentagon’s use of a high-energy laser to counter what officials thought was a drug-cartel drone led the FAA to temporarily shut down all flights over El Paso, Texas

Feb 12, 2026

When Customs and Border Protection fired a laser thinking it was aiming at cartel drones, leading the FAA to close the airspace over El Paso—and causing an uproar in Washington(current)

When Customs and Border Protection fired a laser thinking it was aiming at cartel drones, leading the FAA to close the airspace over El Paso—and causing an uproar in Washington

Story Timeline: Pentagon Laser Causes El Paso Airspace Closure

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When Customs and Border Protection fired a laser thinking it was aiming at cartel drones, leading the FAA to close the airspace over El Paso—and causing an uproar in Washington

Story Timeline: Pentagon Laser Causes El Paso Airspace Closure

Read More On

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The Newest Old Tech in Warfare: Balloons

Border czar Tom Homan said the Trump administration is ending the immigration crackdown in Minnesota, an enforcement surge that resulted in the shooting deaths of two American citizens