The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) temporarily closed airspace around El Paso, Texas, for several hours before reopening it, citing the Pentagon's authorization of a laser to shoot down what was believed to be a Mexican drone.
However, the object was later identified as a mylar party balloon. This incident highlighted a lack of coordination between the FAA and the Pentagon.
While the Trump administration stated the closure was due to a cartel drone threat, local officials, including U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar and El Paso Mayor Renard Johnson, expressed skepticism and criticized the lack of communication, comparing the disruption to post-9/11 events.
Senator Ted Cruz is seeking more information on interagency coordination.
The Pentagon said it shot down a “seemingly threatening” drone near the U.S.-Mexico border Thursday, prompting aviation officials to expand flight restrictions around an area of Fort Hancock, Texas(current)
