Overview
- The FAA issued a surprise 10-day airspace restriction late Tuesday and rescinded it within hours Wednesday, saying there was no threat to commercial aviation.
- Multiple outlets report CBP and Pentagon personnel used an anti-drone laser near Fort Bliss without FAA coordination, and one targeted object was later identified as a party balloon.
- Sources say the FAA had not completed a safety assessment of the system and had planned a Feb. 20 meeting with Defense to review risks to civilian aircraft.
- The Trump administration insists a cartel drone incursion was neutralized, a claim questioned by members of Congress and rejected by Mexico’s president, who said there is no information indicating drones were used at the border.
- The brief shutdown disrupted airline operations and diverted medical evacuations to Las Cruces, spurring calls from local officials and lawmakers for briefings and tighter interagency coordination.