Senators Urge Better Coordination After Texas Counter-Drone Incidents Disrupt Airspace

U.S. senators are calling for stronger coordination between federal agencies after two recent incidents involving government counter-drone technology in Texas forced the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to restrict airspace and halt flights.

The events raised concerns about how emerging anti-drone systems are being deployed near commercial aviation routes. Lawmakers say the situations highlight the urgent need for clearer communication between the FAA, the Pentagon, and Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

One incident occurred on February 25 near Fort Hancock, Texas, when the U.S. military accidentally shot down a government drone using a laser-based counter-drone system. Following the incident, the FAA expanded a restricted flight zone around the area to protect aircraft from potential safety risks.

A separate disruption happened on February 18 at the El Paso International Airport. The FAA initially halted all flights for 10 days due to concerns about CBP’s use of a high-energy laser system near the U.S.–Mexico border. However, the agency reversed its decision and lifted the flight suspension roughly eight hours later.

The laser technology had reportedly been used by CBP to neutralize four suspected cartel drones operating near the border. According to congressional aides, the FAA had previously warned that the system had not yet been certified as safe for use in areas where commercial aircraft operate.

Senate Commerce Committee Chair Ted Cruz said the incidents reveal serious issues in implementing counter-drone defense systems. After attending a classified briefing with officials from the FAA, the Department of Defense, and CBP, Cruz said coordination between agencies during the early deployment of the technology was inadequate.

Senator Maria Cantwell, the ranking Democrat on the committee, echoed those concerns. She emphasized that current coordination efforts are insufficient and warned that similar disruptions must be prevented in the future. Cantwell added that better planning is especially critical ahead of major international events such as the FIFA World Cup, where drone security threats could increase.

The FAA reportedly agreed to remove the El Paso airspace restrictions after the Pentagon promised to delay additional testing of the laser-based anti-drone system until a formal safety review is completed. Congressional aides say that safety review remains ongoing as federal agencies evaluate how to safely deploy counter-drone technologies within U.S. airspace.