Pentagon allowed CBP to use anti-drone laser before FAA closed El Paso airspace

Published February 11, 2026 10:09pm ET



The Pentagon permitted U.S. Customs and Border Protection to deploy an anti-drone laser system in El Paso, Texas, on Wednesday before the Federal Aviation Administration moved to close the airspace in the area, according to reports.

The initially announced 10-day closure of airspace above El Paso International Airport was issued early Wednesday by the FAA without warning, then lifted just hours later after officials determined there was no threat to commercial aviation. 

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