A U.S. Department of Defense jet mistakenly shot down a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) drone over El Paso, Texas, officials confirmed Thursday. The incident, which occurred within military airspace, prompted a joint statement from the Pentagon, CBP, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and has sparked criticism from congressional Democrats. The event underscores the increasing complexity of managing airspace along the U.S.-Mexico border, particularly as concerns grow regarding unmanned aerial systems.
According to the joint statement, the engagement took place when the Department of Defense utilized authorities to counter unmanned aircraft systems, perceiving a potential threat. Officials emphasized that the incident occurred far from populated areas and did not involve any commercial aircraft. The agencies involved pledged to enhance cooperation and communication to prevent similar occurrences in the future. This incident involving a drone shot down near El Paso comes amid heightened security measures and ongoing debate about border security technology.
The FAA has responded by expanding temporary flight restrictions over the Fort Hancock airspace, approximately 50 miles southeast of El Paso. These restrictions, in effect through June 24, prohibit all flight operations in the area, citing “security” reasons. However, the FAA stated that the restrictions do not impact commercial flights. This expansion of airspace restrictions follows a previous, abrupt shutdown of airspace over El Paso earlier this month, which was quickly rescinded.
Congressional Concerns and White House Response
The incident has drawn sharp criticism from Democratic members of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Ranking members Rick Larsen of Washington, André Carson of Indiana, and Bennie G. Thompson of Mississippi released a statement expressing concern over the Department of Defense’s actions. They stated, “Our heads are exploding over the news that DoD reportedly shot down a Customs and Border Protection drone using a high risk counter-unmanned aircraft system.”
The lawmakers further criticized the Trump administration’s approach to addressing drone threats, arguing that a decision to bypass a bipartisan bill aimed at training operators and improving coordination between agencies was “short-sighted.” They believe the current incident is a direct result of this lack of coordination. The lawmakers’ statement highlights the potential risks associated with the increasing use of counter-unmanned aircraft systems and the need for clear protocols and training.
Increased Scrutiny of Border Airspace
The recent events follow a period of increased scrutiny of airspace along the U.S.-Mexico border. Earlier this month, the FAA temporarily shut down airspace over El Paso after reports that a laser was used by the Department of Homeland Security to bring down an object near Fort Bliss. Sources at the time indicated the object was a balloon. The FAA initially cited “special security reasons” for the closure, but the Trump administration later attributed it to efforts to neutralize cartel drones.
The joint statement released by the Pentagon, CBP, and FAA indicated that the current efforts to mitigate drone threats are being undertaken “at President Trump’s direction.” The statement specifically mentioned concerns about drones operated by Mexican cartels and foreign terrorist organizations. This underscores the administration’s focus on border security and its willingness to utilize advanced technology to address perceived threats. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency routinely patrols the border, as seen in a recent image from January 22, 2025.
A US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) vehicle patrols along the US-Mexico border in El Paso, Texas on January 22, 2025. On his first day back in office US President Donald Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border “to repel the disastrous invasion of our country.” (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP) (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images)
Charly Triballeau/AFP via Getty Images
Looking Ahead
The incident raises questions about the protocols governing the use of counter-unmanned aircraft systems and the coordination between different federal agencies. The FAA is expected to provide further updates on the airspace restrictions over Fort Hancock as the investigation continues. The Department of Defense, CBP, and FAA have committed to working together to improve communication and prevent future incidents. For information on CBP operations in El Paso, you can contact them directly at +1 915-730-7000 during operational hours (8:00 AM-5:00 PM Mountain Time, Monday-Friday), according to the CBP website.
What are your thoughts on the increasing use of drone technology at the border? Share your comments below, and let us know what questions you have about this developing story.
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