CBP shoots down party balloons, claims cartel drone threat

The FAA grounded all flights at El Paso International Airport starting late Feb. 11, 2026

The restriction covered commercial, cargo, and general aviation up to 18,000 feet

It was initially set to last 10 days The FAA classified the area as national defense airspace and warned that violators could be shot down.

CBP had recently received anti-drone laser technology from the Department of Defense

The technology was intended to counter cartel drones crossing the border near Fort Bliss

CBP used the laser on objects it identified as potential threats Four sources told NBC News the objects were mylar party balloons.

Transportation Secretary SDSean Duffy posted on X that the FAA and Defense Department acted swiftly to address a cartel drone incursion. He said the threat had been neutralized and there was no danger to commercial travel. The White House repeated this claim in official statements.

Attorney General Pam Bondi testified before the House Judiciary Committee on Feb. 11. She told lawmakers that cartel drones were being shot down by the military. She cited this as evidence that the administration was striking crucial blows against terrorist organizations.

The airspace closure caught local officials by surprise

El Paso Mayor RJRenard Johnson said no one from local government or the military base received advance notice of more than a few minutes

He said medical evacuation flights were forced to divert to Las Cruces Surgical equipment coming from Dallas didn't arrive for scheduled operations.

Mexican President CSClaudia Sheinbaum denied any drone activity along the US-Mexico border. She said Mexico had no information indicating drone flights near El Paso. She said if US agencies had relevant information, they should contact Mexico directly rather than speculating.

CNN reported that a source confirmed the US military used laser technology to shoot down four mylar balloons this week. NBC News reported that multiple sources said CBP used the technology without coordinating with the FAA. Two sources said there was a miscommunication or dispute between the FAA and Defense Department about whether the testing could affect commercial aviation.

The FAA lifted the restriction after about eight hours on Feb. 12

It did not explain why the 10-day closure was reversed

Neither the White House, Transportation Department, nor Justice Department issued corrections to their public statements about cartel drones Pentagon officials continued to refer to an administration statement about a drone breach when asked by reporters.