The US military recently used a laser to shoot down a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) drone operating near the US-Mexico border, according to multiple members of Congress.This incident led to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) closing additional airspace around Fort Hancock, Texas, which is situated approximately 50 miles southeast of El Paso.
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npr.orgnbcnews.comThis event marks the second time in two weeks that such a measure has been taken.The first incident involved a CBP drone being targeted, but it was not successfully hit.
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npr.orgksat.comThe recent closure of airspace was described as smaller in scope compared to the previous one, which had significant implications for commercial flights in the El Paso area.
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ksat.comwvtm13.comFollowing the incident, representatives from the House Transportation and Infrastructure and Homeland Security committees expressed their disbelief and frustration.US Rep.Rick Larsen stated, “Our heads are exploding over the news,” criticizing the Trump administration for neglecting to address coordination issues between agencies regarding drone operations.
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npr.orgksat.comThey attributed the latest mishap to a lack of communication and oversight, stating, “Now, we're seeing the result of its incompetence.”.
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nbcnews.comIn a joint statement, the FAA, CBP, and the Pentagon defended the military's actions, asserting that the laser was deployed to mitigate a "seemingly threatening unmanned aerial system" within military airspace.They emphasized that this action was carried out far from populated areas and commercial flights as part of ongoing efforts to enhance border security against potential threats from Mexican cartels and foreign terrorist organizations.
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npr.orgnbcnews.comtexastribune.orgTransportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced plans to brief Congress on the incident, stating that the airspace closure was not a mistake.He expressed that the situation should not be viewed solely as a communication issue but rather as a complex coordination challenge between federal agencies.
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nbcnews.comwvtm13.comTammy Duckworth, a prominent Democratic member of the Senate's Aviation Subcommittee, called for independent investigations into the incident.She remarked that the ongoing issues reflect a broader pattern of dysfunction within the government, particularly concerning aviation safety and coordination between the FAA and the Pentagon.
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nbcnews.comksat.comPast incidents, including a tragic midair collision between an airliner and an Army helicopter that resulted in 67 fatalities, have underscored the critical need for improved safety data sharing and operational coordination among these agencies.
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nbcnews.comwvtm13.comThe use of drones by cartels along the US-Mexico border has been a growing concern.Reports indicate that over 27,000 drones were detected near the southern border in the last six months of 2024 alone.
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npr.orgIn response to increasing drone threats, Congress recently authorized more law enforcement agencies to engage in counter-drone operations, expanding the authority previously limited to select federal entities.
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ksat.comAs the US continues to grapple with drone-related challenges, the military's use of lasers and other anti-drone technologies raises questions about operational safety and inter-agency cooperation.The situation remains fluid, with lawmakers demanding accountability and systematic improvements to prevent future incidents.
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texastribune.orgwvtm13.comIn summary, the recent shooting down of a CBP drone by the military using a laser has sparked serious concerns regarding communication failures within the federal government.As investigations are called for, the implications for air safety and border security continue to unfold.
