The U.S. military successfully employed a laser to intercept a drone near the U.S.-Mexico border that was initially perceived as a potential threat. The drone, which was later identified as belonging to Customs and Border Protection (CBP), prompted the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to establish additional no-fly zones around Fort Hancock, Texas, located approximately 80 kilometers southeast of El Paso. Any counter-drone action taken by the military within U.S. airspace requires formal notification to the FAA.
This incident marked the second instance within a fortnight where a laser was utilized in the region. The previous occurrence involved CBP’s deployment of the laser near Fort Bliss, resulting in no impact. The FAA reacted by suspending air traffic operations at the El Paso airport and its vicinity. However, the recent airspace closure was less extensive, with commercial flights operating as usual.
Washington U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen and two other leading Democrats expressed astonishment upon receiving official notification of the event. They criticized the Trump administration for bypassing a bipartisan initiative aimed at training drone operators and enhancing communication among the Pentagon, the FAA, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), inclusive of CBP.
In defense of utilizing the anti-drone laser, a joint statement from the FAA, CBP, and the Pentagon emphasized the military’s deployment of counter-unmanned aircraft system measures to address a potentially threatening unmanned aerial system within military airspace. The action was taken far from populated areas and commercial flight paths as part of efforts to bolster border security.
Under President Trump’s direction, collaborative efforts among the Department of Defense (DoD), FAA, and Customs and Border Patrol are underway to combat drone threats posed by Mexican cartels and foreign terrorist groups at the U.S.-Mexico border. The earlier El Paso shutdown, lasting a few hours, stirred concerns, leading to flight cancellations and temporary disruptions.
Senator Tammy Duckworth, a Democrat from Illinois and the ranking member on the Senate’s aviation subcommittee, has called for an independent investigation into the incident. The lack of coordination between federal agencies has been a recurring issue, notably highlighted by a midair collision near Washington, D.C., in January 2025.
The Safer Skies Act, passed by Congress two months ago, expanded the authority to combat rogue drones to more law enforcement agencies, including select state and local departments, provided they receive proper training. The U.S. government has allocated significant funds to enhance states’ readiness to counter drone threats ahead of upcoming events and celebrations.
The U.S. government’s response to the escalating drone risks includes investing in anti-drone technologies such as radio signal jammers, high-powered microwaves, and laser systems. These measures aim to counter the growing menace posed by drones to aviation safety, with an increasing number of near-misses reported at airports worldwide.
Overall, the use of anti-drone capabilities is becoming more critical as the drone threat landscape evolves, necessitating proactive measures to safeguard airspace integrity and public safety.