FAA and Pentagon Dispute Over El Paso Airspace Closure Following Cartel Drone Incident
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) temporarily closed the airspace over El Paso, Texas, due to an incursion by a Mexican drug cartel drone, according to the Trump administration. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated that the U.S. military and FAA acted swiftly to neutralize the threat, ensuring no danger to commercial travel. However, this explanation has been met with skepticism. U.S. Representative Veronica Escobar, representing El Paso, expressed doubts about the administration's account, stating that Congress was not informed of such a threat. The FAA's decision to close the airspace was reportedly made without notifying local officials, leading to confusion and disruption, including the diversion of medical evacuation flights. The incident has highlighted a lack of coordination between the FAA and the Pentagon, with the Defense Department allegedly deploying counter-drone technology before the FAA completed its safety assessment. 
