FAA Imposes and Lifts Sudden Airspace Shutdown Over El Paso Amid Cartel Drone Threat
In a dramatic and rapid series of events, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced a 10-day airspace shutdown around the border city of El Paso in Texas, only to cancel it within hours after confirming that the threat had been neutralized. This sudden closure, which caught local officials off guard and sparked panic, was reportedly prompted by a Mexican cartel drone incursion into US airspace.
Panic and Confusion as Local Authorities Left Uninformed
The abrupt imposition of the airspace restrictions led to widespread alarm, as local officials in El Paso stated they were not aware of any specific threats or incidents. The equally sudden lifting of the shutdown further fueled fears about potential aviation risks involving cartel drones operating near the US-Mexico border. This rapid reversal left many questioning the nature and severity of the situation.
Pentagon Neutralizes Cartel Drone Incursion
Anonymous US officials revealed that Mexican cartel drones had breached the airspace and were disabled by the Pentagon. The FAA and the Department of Defense acted swiftly to address this security breach, leading to the temporary shutdown. Once it was assessed that no threats remained, the restrictions were lifted, and normal flight operations resumed in the region.
Mexico Denies Knowledge of Drone Activity
In contrast to the US account, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that her government had no information about drones on the border. She emphasized that if the United States possessed such intelligence, it should formally request assistance from the Mexican government. "The Mexican airspace did not close... We will learn what the reasons are for why the airspace closed," she said, highlighting a lack of coordination between the two nations.
High-Energy Counter-Drone Laser Technology Under Scrutiny
CNN reported that a Pentagon plan to deploy a high-energy, counter-drone laser system prompted the unprecedented airspace shutdown over El Paso. While it remains unconfirmed whether this new technology was actually used or if it was merely a test, the incident has brought the program into sharp focus. The laser system is currently being tested in remote areas of the country, and FAA and Pentagon officials are scheduled to meet on February 20 to review its impact and operational protocols.
FAA Acts Without Informing White House
Reports indicated that the decision to close the airspace was made solely by the FAA, which proceeded without first notifying the White House. This lack of high-level coordination raised questions about internal communication protocols during emergencies. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy took to social media to credit the FAA and Defense Department for their rapid response. "The threat has been neutralized, and there is no danger to commercial travel in the region," he wrote on X, attempting to reassure the public.
The incident underscores the evolving challenges of border security and the integration of advanced military technologies into civilian airspace management, while also revealing gaps in international and domestic communication during crises.
