US Customs and Border Protection

According to congressional aides and US lawmakers, a US Customs and Border Protection drone mistakenly shot down a US military laser-based counter-drone system near Fort Hancock, Texas. This incident prompted the Federal Aviation Administration to expand flight restrictions along the US-Mexico border.

The FAA issued a temporary airspace restriction near El Paso, citing 'special security concerns.' However, within hours, the agency lifted the restriction, stating there was no threat to commercial aviation. Several reports describe counter-drone activity and the use of a directed-energy system, but details are scarce.