The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a total suspension of flights to and from El Paso International Airport for ten days, citing "special security reasons". The situation drew immediate attention as federal authorities did not provide detailed explanations, leaving local politicians and the public in the dark about the specifics of the incident. However, reports from CBS News indicated that the closure was prompted by incursions into U.S. airspace by drones allegedly linked to drug cartels from Mexico.

The airport restrictions began at 11:30 PM local time on a Tuesday and were initially set to continue until February 20. This unprecedented measure disrupted air travel significantly, affecting passengers and airlines alike, raising questions about air safety in regions where cartel activity is prevalent. Although the FAA lifted the measures later, the quick reversal highlighted the urgency of the situation and the potential risk posed by drone operations near the border.

This incident points to broader concerns about the implications of drug cartel operations not only in terms of drug trafficking but also how they might extend to aerial threats in the United States. The use of drones by cartels signifies a different dimension of the ongoing struggle against organized crime and its potential impact on civilian aviation. As authorities grapple with these challenges, this event underscores the need for comprehensive measures to safeguard air traffic against unconventional threats.