The Federal Aviation Administration temporarily grounded all flights to and from El Paso International Airport, citing “special security reasons” and warning that the U.S. government “may use deadly force” against any aircraft in violation of the restriction.
The closure, as reported by Fox Business, applied to commercial, cargo and general aviation flights and was initially scheduled to run from Feb. 10 at 11:30 p.m. MST through Feb. 20 at 11:30 p.m. MST. El Paso International Airport confirmed the shutdown in a statement, telling travelers, “Travelers should contact their airlines to get the most up-to-date flight status information.”
The sudden restriction and the reference to possible deadly force triggered a wave of speculation online. Social media users floated theories ranging from UFO or UAP sightings to a major national security incident unfolding along the southern border. With few immediate details from federal officials, rumors spread rapidly, fueling heightened concern.
Former FAA safety team member Kyle Bailey told Fox News that a 10-day restriction of that scale would have been “unprecedented.” He pointed to the airport’s proximity to Fort Bliss Army post and speculated it appeared to be “something like a national security event, a high-level VIP,” while also noting that “on the Mexican side of the border there is no flight restriction.”
Federal officials later clarified the situation. A Trump administration official told Fox News the lockdown came in response to “Mexican cartel drones” that breached U.S. airspace.
“Mexican cartel drones breached U.S. 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.
After the drones were disabled, the FAA lifted the restriction, stating there was no ongoing threat. What began as a mysterious shutdown that sparked intense online speculation was ultimately attributed to a cross-border drone incursion that officials said has now been neutralized.
James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a background in journalism from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and the LA Dream Center. A Marine Corps and Air Force veteran, he is the author of The Revelation of Jesus: A Common Man’s Commentary and a contributor to Charisma magazine. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected].
