U.S. Military Accidentally Shoots Down CBP Drone Near Texas Border
The U.S. Military mistakenly used a laser-based anti-drone system to shoot down a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) drone near Fort Hancock, Texas, on Thursday night, prompting airspace closures and raising concerns about coordination between federal agencies. The incident is under review, and lawmakers are demanding answers.
What Happened?
According to statements from lawmakers and reports from multiple news outlets, the U.S. Military employed a “high-risk” counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) that resulted in the downing of a CBP drone. The Hill and FOX 7 Austin reported the incident occurred near Fort Hancock, south of El Paso. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) subsequently closed airspace in the area.
Lawmaker Reactions
Democratic Representatives Rick Larsen, Bennie Thompson, and Andre Carson released a joint statement expressing their concern. “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 statement read, as quoted by the Associated Press. They criticized the White House for previously bypassing a bipartisan bill aimed at improving training for C-UAS operators and enhancing coordination between the Pentagon, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the FAA.
Government Response
The FAA, CBP, and the Pentagon issued a joint statement acknowledging the use of counter-UAS authorities to address a “seemingly threatening” drone operating within military airspace. The statement, as reported by the Yahoo News, emphasized that the incident occurred far from populated areas and commercial flights, as part of efforts to strengthen border security.
Second Incident This Month
This incident marks the second time this month that laser systems have prompted airspace closures in Texas. Two weeks prior, CBP deployed an anti-drone laser near Fort Bliss, leading to a temporary shutdown of El Paso airport airspace. That closure lasted several hours and resulted in flight cancellations. The Associated Press noted that the recent closure was smaller in scope and did not affect commercial flights.
Growing Concerns About Drone Threats
The incident highlights increasing concerns about the use of drones along the U.S.-Mexico border. Cartels are known to utilize drones for drug smuggling and surveillance of Border Patrol agents. Officials have reported detecting over 27,000 drones within 1,600 feet of the southern border in the latter half of 2024. The U.S. Government has allocated over $250 million to help states prepare for drone threats, with an additional $250 million planned for later this year.
Investigation Demanded
Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth, ranking member on the Senate’s Aviation Subcommittee, has called for an independent investigation into the incident, stating the administration’s “incompetence continues to cause chaos in our skies.” The Associated Press reported on this demand.