The U.S. military successfully intercepted a potentially threatening drone near the U.S.-Mexico border using a laser on Thursday. The drone was later identified as belonging to Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Following the incident, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) implemented additional airspace restrictions around Fort Hancock, Texas, located approximately 80 kilometers southeast of El Paso. It is mandatory for the military to inform the FAA formally when engaging in counter-drone activities within U.S. airspace.
This marked the second occasion within two weeks that a laser was deployed in the region. The previous instance involved CBP utilizing the laser near Fort Bliss, resulting in no impact. Consequently, the FAA had to halt air traffic at the El Paso airport and its vicinity. However, the recent airspace closure was limited in scope, and commercial flights remained unaffected.
Upon receiving official notification, Washington U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen and two other senior Democrats from the House’s transportation and infrastructure and homeland security committees expressed astonishment. They criticized the Trump administration for bypassing a bipartisan bill aimed at training drone operators and enhancing communication among the Pentagon, FAA, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees CBP.
In defense of the anti-drone laser usage, the FAA, CBP, and the Pentagon issued a joint statement late Thursday, affirming that the military employed counter-unmanned aircraft system measures to address a perceived threat posed by an unmanned aerial system operating within military airspace. The action was taken away from populated areas and commercial flight paths as part of efforts to bolster border security.
The shutdown in El Paso a fortnight ago, albeit brief, caused concern, with the FAA initially planning a 10-day closure of the airport, resulting in numerous flight cancellations in the city. The deployment of an anti-drone laser by CBP in that incident without coordination with the FAA led to the airspace closure to ensure commercial air safety.
U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, the ranking member on the Senate’s aviation subcommittee, called for an independent investigation, citing the administration’s lack of competence causing disruptions in airspace operations. Concerns have been raised by Congress members about federal agencies failing to coordinate effectively, following the midair collision near Washington, D.C., in January 2025.
Two months ago, Congress passed the Safer Skies Act, granting more law enforcement agencies, including select state and local departments, the authority to neutralize rogue drones provided they are adequately trained. Previously, this power was restricted to a few federal agencies.
The U.S. government has allocated over $250 million to assist states in preparing for drone responses ahead of hosting World Cup events and the nation’s 250th-anniversary celebrations this summer. An additional $250 million in grants will be distributed later this year to bolster national drone defense capabilities. The use of drones by Mexican cartels near the U.S. border has prompted increased vigilance, with federal officials reporting a significant number of drone sightings in the region.
The evolving threat posed by drones to aviation safety worldwide, coupled with the surge in drone registrations, has led to the development of various anti-drone technologies, including radio signal jammers, high-powered microwaves, and laser beams. These systems are capable of disrupting or disabling drones, with some employing ammunition, although such systems are more commonly found in combat settings.
