The El Paso International Airport was recently shut down due to the utilization of a military laser weapon, part of the LOCUST system, aimed at controlling drone threats. This action has intensified tensions between the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Pentagon, as officials and sources indicate that Customs and Border Protection (CBP) employed this anti-drone technology to shoot down unidentified flying objects, mistakenly perceived as drones. The abrupt airspace closure not only disrupted flights for several days but also raised questions regarding the coordination and communication within federal agencies. Critics, including NTSB chair, have expressed concerns over the handling of the situation, highlighting a need for a better drone defense policy as confusion surrounding the true nature of the threats persists. The FAA eventually lifted the airspace restrictions after confirming that the drone threats had been neutralized, but not before significant operational impacts were felt by airlines and passengers alike.