The U.S. military intercepted and disabled drones operated by Mexican cartels after the aircraft breached American airspace near El Paso, Texas, according to a Trump administration official. The incident led federal authorities to impose a temporary flight restriction over the border city late Tuesday night before lifting it early Wednesday morning.

A senior administration official said “Mexican cartel drones breached U.S. airspace,” adding that the Pentagon “took action to disable the drones.” It remains unclear whether the unmanned aircraft were shot down or neutralized through electronic warfare measures. The Pentagon declined to provide further operational details, including whether the drones were carrying narcotics.

The Federal Aviation Administration initially issued a surprise order grounding all flights in and out of El Paso International Airport and restricting airspace within a 10-mile radius up to 18,000 feet for what it described as “special security reasons.” The restriction took effect at 11:30 p.m. Mountain Time and was originally set to remain in place for 10 days. However, officials lifted the order shortly before 7 a.m. Wednesday, stating that normal operations could resume.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said federal agencies “acted swiftly” in response to what he called a “cartel drone incursion,” emphasizing that there was no danger to commercial travel. The FAA also noted that the U.S. “may use deadly force” if an aircraft poses an imminent security threat.

Border-area officials indicated drone incursions are a recurring challenge. Rep. Tony Gonzales, whose district includes parts of the region, said such activity occurs regularly, underscoring ongoing concerns about cartel operations along the southern border. Federal authorities continue efforts to counter the growing use of drones by criminal organizations for smuggling and surveillance activities.