Timeline: The El Paso Airspace Closure and Cartel Drone Incursion

Leave a CommentTimeline: The El Paso Airspace Closure and Cartel Drone IncursionGovernment, National Security

Earlier today, (February 11, 2026), the city of El Paso, Texas, experienced a brief but intense disruption when the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) temporarily closed airspace over the region, citing special security reasons. The incident, which lasted only hours despite an initial 10-day projection, was linked to Mexican cartel drones breaching U.S. airspace. U.S. military forces quickly intervened, disabling the threats and allowing operations to resume. This event highlights escalating tensions along the U.S.-Mexico border, where cartels increasingly use drones for surveillance, smuggling, and reconnaissance. Below is a chronological breakdown of key events, drawn from official statements, news reports, and real-time social media updates.

Key Events in Chronological Order

  • February 10, 2026 (Evening, Exact Time Unspecified): Mexican cartel drones breach U.S. airspace near El Paso, Texas, prompting a rapid response from U.S. authorities. The incursion involves drones potentially used for drug trafficking surveillance or smuggling operations, originating from areas near Ciudad JuĂĄrez, Mexico. The breach occurs in proximity to Fort Bliss, a U.S. military base involved in border security operations.
  • February 10, 2026 (Approximately 11:30 PM MT / 1:30 AM EST on Feb 11): The FAA issues a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) declaring a 10-day airspace closure over El Paso International Airport and surrounding areas in Texas and southern New Mexico, effective immediately and set to last until February 20 or 21. The restriction covers a 10-nautical-mile radius from the surface up to 18,000 feet, designating it as “National Defense Airspace.” All flights—commercial, cargo, general aviation, and even police helicopters—are grounded for “special security reasons.” The order warns that deadly force may be used against non-compliant aircraft. This marks the first such full airport grounding since 9/11. Local officials and lawmakers express confusion, with no prior warning provided. El Paso International Airport confirms the grounding, stranding some incoming flights like an American Airlines plane from Chicago that lands just before the cutoff.
  • February 11, 2026 (Early Morning, Around 12:00 AM–2:00 AM EST): Initial public reports and social media buzz emerge about the unexplained closure. Users on X (formerly Twitter) speculate on reasons, with some linking it to border security issues. Local news outlets begin covering the story, noting the potential for massive disruptions in the nation’s 23rd-largest city.
  • February 11, 2026 (Around 7:00 AM–8:00 AM EST): Sources briefed on the matter reveal the closure stems from a U.S. military operation using counter-drone technology to address cartel activities. The Department of Defense (referred to in some reports as the Department of War) disables the intruding drones through electronic jamming, spoofing, or other means. Airline industry officials confirm the link to Pentagon operations from Fort Bliss. A Trump administration official confirms the details to multiple media outlets.
  • February 11, 2026 (Approximately 7:15 AM–7:43 AM EST): The FAA announces via X (formerly Twitter) that the airspace closure has been lifted, stating there is no ongoing threat to commercial aviation and that all flights will resume normally. This reversal comes just hours after the initial 10-day order, reducing the disruption from days to mere hours.
  • February 11, 2026 (Around 8:00 AM–9:00 AM EST): The White House issues a statement confirming the cartel drone involvement and the successful military neutralization. Social media erupts with updates, videos, and commentary from users, emphasizing the border security implications and the swift resolution. No injuries or further incidents are reported.

Aftermath and Context

“Mexican cartel drones breached US airspace.” “The Department of War took action to disable the drones. The FAA and DOW have determined there is no threat to commercial travel,” the official said.

FAA Official

The incident underscores the growing use of drones by Mexican cartels, with thousands of cross-border flights documented in recent years for purposes like surveillance and drug drops. U.S. counter-drone efforts, including signal jamming and RF disruption, reflect an escalation in border defense strategies. While the closure was brief, it caused temporary flight delays and raised questions about coordination between the FAA, military, and local authorities. As of approximately 9:50 AM EST on February 11, 2026, airspace is fully operational, with no ongoing threats reported. This event may signal more proactive U.S. measures against cartel technology in the future.