Tensions escalated in West Texas this week after members of Congress confirmed that the U.S. military used a laser system to disable a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) drone near El Paso. The incident prompted the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to expand restricted airspace in the region, though commercial airline operations were not disrupted.
According to lawmakers briefed on the matter, the laser deployment marks the second such event in the area within two weeks. Federal rules require the military to notify the FAA whenever counter-drone measures are used inside U.S. airspace.
FAA Expands Airspace Restrictions Near El Paso
The FAA announced it widened flight restrictions around Fort Hancock, east of El Paso, following the latest laser incident. Unlike a similar event earlier this month, the updated airspace limitations were more narrowly defined and did not affect commercial air travel at El Paso International Airport.
In the earlier case, a counter-drone laser was activated near Fort Bliss without prior coordination with the FAA, leading regulators to temporarily halt air traffic in and around El Paso. That closure lasted several hours and resulted in flight cancellations in the border city of nearly 700,000 residents.
Lawmakers Voice Alarm Over Coordination Gaps
Senior Democratic lawmakers, including U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen, said they were “stunned” after receiving official notification of the laser strike. In a joint statement, members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the House Homeland Security Committee criticized the administration’s handling of drone oversight, accusing federal agencies of poor interagency coordination.
They argued that recent events highlight the need for stronger communication between the Pentagon, the FAA, and the Department of Homeland Security. The lawmakers also referenced stalled bipartisan legislation aimed at enhancing drone operator training and improving information sharing among federal authorities.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy indicated he plans to brief Congress on the situation. He previously defended the FAA’s earlier decision to close airspace, stating that safety considerations justified the action.
Sen. Tammy Duckworth, the ranking member of the Senate Aviation Subcommittee, called for independent investigations, describing the situation as a serious aviation safety concern.
Rising Drone Activity Along the Southern Border
The incident underscores growing security challenges tied to drone activity near the U.S.-Mexico border. Federal officials reported that more than 27,000 drones were detected within 500 meters of the southern border during the last six months of 2024.
Drug cartels have increasingly relied on unmanned aerial systems to transport narcotics and monitor Border Patrol operations. At the same time, the number of registered drones nationwide has climbed to more than 1.7 million, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
With the United States preparing to host major international events—including World Cup matches and nationwide celebrations marking the country’s 250th anniversary—the federal government has allocated over $250 million to help states strengthen counter-drone defenses. An additional $250 million in grants is expected later this year.
Expanding Counter-Drone Authority
Congress recently approved legislation expanding counter-drone authority to additional law enforcement agencies, including certain state and local departments, provided they meet federal training standards. Previously, only a limited number of federal agencies had authorization to disable or intercept unmanned aircraft.
Counter-drone technologies vary widely. Some systems jam radio frequencies used to control drones, while others deploy high-powered microwaves or laser beams to disable them. Additional approaches include interceptor drones that collide with hostile aircraft and, in limited cases, projectile-based systems more commonly used in combat zones.
Broader Aviation Safety Concerns
The latest developments come amid heightened scrutiny of coordination between military and aviation authorities. A recent National Transportation Safety Board investigation into a fatal midair collision near Washington, D.C., revealed communication gaps between the FAA and the U.S. Army regarding flight safety data.
As drone usage expands for both civilian and criminal purposes, lawmakers and aviation officials face mounting pressure to ensure that defensive technologies do not inadvertently compromise commercial air safety.
The FAA and Defense Department have not publicly detailed why the laser system was deployed in the most recent Texas incident. Investigations and congressional briefings are expected to provide further clarity in the coming days.