US military shoots down CBP drone near Texas border, triggering airspace closures
US military shoots down CBP drone near Texas border, triggering airspace closures
Democrats criticize coordination gaps after a laser downed a drone later identified as CBP’s, prompting airspace closures around Fort Hancock, Texas.
On the Texas border near Fort Hancock, the US military activated a counter-drone laser to down what commanders described as a 'seemingly threatening unmanned aerial system' operating within military airspace. The drone was later identified as belonging to CBP, not a cartel target, prompting airspace closures in the area.
This marks the second time in as many weeks that a high-energy laser has been used against drones and disrupted air traffic. Earlier this month, the FAA ordered airspace around El Paso closed for 10 days, then lifted the order eight hours later for 'special security reasons.' Officials subsequently disclosed that the prior incident involved a party balloon mistaken for a drone.
Democratic members of Congress briefed on the episode criticized a perceived lack of interagency coordination and urged lawmakers to pass a bipartisan bill to bolster training for drone operators and coordination among the FAA, Pentagon, and CBP.
The Pentagon said the operation used a counter-unmanned aircraft system and occurred far from populated areas, with no commercial aircraft in the vicinity. Officials emphasized there were no injuries or damage. The episodes reflect the mounting use of counter-drone tools near the border and the ongoing challenge of quickly distinguishing threats from benign activity.
