Inside the Debacle That Led to the Closure of El Paso’s Airspace

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by Karoun Demirjian, Kate Kelly, Eric Schmitt and Tyler Pager

February 14, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The Federal Aviation Administration (F.A.A.) shut down El Paso’s airspace after the Department of Defense deployed a high-energy laser weapon near the U.S.-Mexico border without proper authorization, citing a "grave risk of fatalities." This move came as part of an ongoing dispute between the F.A.A. and the Pentagon over the use of advanced technology to counter drone activity by Mexican cartels. The F.A.A., concerned about aviation safety, closed the airspace for 10 days, causing significant disruptions to local air traffic and prompting frustration among officials and travelers. The situation escalated when military personnel and Customs and Border Protection agents used the laser weapon near El Paso International Airport without securing necessary approvals from aviation regulators. Pentagon officials had previously discussed using such technology but faced legal requirements mandating coordination with the F.A.A. and Transportation Department. According to sources, Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg believed the Pentagon could proceed without external approval, leading to a clash with safety regulators. The deployment of the laser system occurred during a sensitive period for air safety, following a recent incident where an Army helicopter collided with a passenger jet near Washington, D.C., resulting in 67 fatalities and drawing scrutiny to military safety protocols. The F.A.A.’s decision to shut down the airspace was described as extraordinary and unexpected by officials, highlighting the potential dangers of deploying unapproved technology in close proximity to civilian airfields. This incident has become a flashpoint within the Trump administration, with questions raised about whether the Pentagon and Department of Homeland Security followed proper procedures. The clash between military necessity and aviation safety regulations underscores broader tensions over the use of advanced technologies on the border and their potential impact on public safety. The closure of El Paso’s airspace and the resulting controversy demonstrate the importance of interagency cooperation and adherence to safety protocols, particularly when deploying experimental or high-risk technology in areas with significant air traffic. The incident also raises questions about the balance between national security and public safety, making it a critical issue for readers interested in border security, military operations, and aviation safety.

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/14/2026