U.S. Military Uses Laser to Down Border Drone in Mistaken Identity Incident Near Texas

FORT HANCOCK, TX — The U.S. military deployed a counter-drone laser system Thursday to shoot down what officials described as a “seemingly threatening” unmanned aircraft near the U.S.-Mexico border,  only to later determine the drone belonged to Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

The incident prompted the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to temporarily restrict additional airspace near Fort Hancock, about 50 miles southeast of El Paso. Officials say the action occurred within military-designated airspace and far from populated areas.

It marks the second laser-related drone incident in the region in just two weeks.

The Incident: Counter-Drone System Activated

According to a joint statement from the FAA, Pentagon, and CBP, the military “employed counter-unmanned aircraft system authorities” to neutralize what was believed to be a threat.

• Officials said the drone was operating inside military airspace.
• The aircraft was later identified as belonging to CBP.
• The action did not impact commercial airline traffic.

The FAA requires formal notification whenever the military engages counter-drone measures inside U.S. airspace.

Second Laser Event This Month

Two weeks earlier, CBP deployed a similar laser system near Fort Bliss.

• In that case, no drone was struck.
• The FAA temporarily shut down El Paso airspace.
• Commercial flights were briefly disrupted.

This time, the closure was smaller in scope and did not affect passenger travel.

Lawmakers React

Several Democratic lawmakers expressed concern over what they described as coordination failures between agencies.

“Our heads are exploding over the news,” lawmakers said in a joint statement.

They criticized the administration for not advancing bipartisan legislation aimed at improving interagency communication and drone operator training.

Illinois Sen. Tammy Duckworth called for an independent investigation, citing concerns over airspace safety.

Administration Response: Border Security Priority

Federal agencies defended the action, emphasizing growing drone threats along the southern border.

“At President Trump’s direction, the Department of War, FAA, and Customs and Border Patrol are working together in an unprecedented fashion to mitigate drone threats by Mexican cartels and foreign terrorist organizations,” the joint statement read.

Officials say cartel-linked drone activity has increased dramatically, with more than 27,000 drones detected within 1,600 feet of the southern border during the last six months of 2024.

Growing Drone Threat Nationwide

Congress recently expanded counter-drone authority to additional law enforcement agencies, provided operators are properly trained.

The federal government has:

• Allocated more than $250 million to help states prepare for major events.
• Planned another $250 million in upcoming drone-defense grants.
• Expanded tools including jamming systems, microwave disruptors, and laser technology.

Officials say the technology is necessary to counter evolving threats, particularly as drones are increasingly used in international conflicts and by criminal organizations.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said he plans to brief Congress on the incident.

• The FAA continues reviewing interagency communication procedures.
• Lawmakers are pushing for improved coordination protocols.
• Federal agencies maintain the action was taken within lawful authority.

As drone usage rises nationwide, the balance between border security and airspace safety remains under heightened scrutiny.