The U.S. military recently deployed a laser to take down a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) drone near El Paso, Texas, as reported by members of Congress. This incident prompted the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to expand airspace restrictions in the region. Notably, this event marks the second use of a laser in just two weeks.
The specific reasons for the laser's deployment remain unclear. However, the military is mandated to formally notify the FAA whenever it undertakes counter-drone actions within U.S. airspace. The previous laser firing, which occurred near Fort Bliss—approximately 50 miles (80 kilometers) northwest of El Paso—did not successfully hit any targets but nonetheless led to a temporary closure of air traffic in the area.
This latest airspace restriction was smaller in scale compared to the earlier incident, which had resulted in flight cancellations affecting the city of nearly 700,000 residents. During the prior event, the CBP's deployment of an anti-drone laser occurred without proper coordination with the FAA, prompting the agency to shut down air traffic to ensure safety.
Members of Congress, including U.S. Representative Rick Larsen and other top Democrats on relevant committees, expressed their shock upon receiving notification of the latest laser deployment. In a joint statement, they criticized the previous administration for allegedly bypassing bipartisan legislation aimed at enhancing drone operator training and inter-agency communication among the Pentagon, FAA, and Department of Homeland Security. The lawmakers attributed the ongoing issues to the incompetence of the Trump administration.
The FAA has expanded the airspace closure around Fort Hancock as a precaution; however, the Border Protection agency did not respond immediately to inquiries regarding the incidents. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy emphasized the necessity of the FAA’s actions in closing the El Paso airspace and suggested that the underlying issues were not merely a communication breakdown.
Senator Tammy Duckworth, a leading member of the Senate's Aviation Subcommittee, voiced concerns, calling for independent investigations into the matter. She criticized the Trump administration, asserting that its mismanagement continues to disrupt aviation safety.
Past aviation incidents, including a midair collision near Washington, D.C., which resulted in the deaths of 67 people, have revealed significant shortcomings in coordination between the FAA and the military. Investigations demonstrated a lack of data sharing and failure to address numerous near-misses around vital airports, particularly Reagan National Airport.
Recently, Congress has granted additional authorities to various law enforcement agencies, including some state and local units, allowing them to take action against rogue drones, emphasizing the importance of proper training for operators. Previously, only a limited number of federal agencies had such capabilities.
Drone-related challenges are particularly pronounced along the U.S.-Mexico border, where cartels utilize drones for drug smuggling and surveillance of Border Patrol personnel. Officials reported detecting over 27,000 drones operating within 1,600 feet (500 meters) of the southern border during the last six months of 2024.
The proliferation of drones poses significant risks to aviation safety, with Homeland Security estimating that over 1.7 million registered drones are currently in operation across the United States—a number that continues to grow. The increasing occurrences of near-miss incidents among aircraft have alarmed authorities, leading to heightened scrutiny and calls for improved drone management strategies.
Counter-drone systems have been developed to respond to threats, utilizing technologies such as radio signal jamming, high-powered microwaves, and laser beams, as seen in Texas. These systems aim to enhance safety in both domestic and federal airspace, especially in light of preparations for major events, like upcoming World Cup matches and celebrations for America's 250th anniversary.
