U.S. Shoots Down Cartel Drones Near Texas Border

Joint Task Force–Southern Border under US Northern Command used the Army Multipurpose High Energy Laser to shoot down three cartel-linked drones during late August 25–26 near the U.S.-Mexico border, citing their threat to U.S. military personnel and CBP partners. The drone strikes illustrate growing cartel use of unmanned systems to aid human smuggling and surveillance, prompting expanded layered counter-drone defenses. Maj. Gen. Curtis Taylor noted ongoing cooperation with Mexican Army partners, as about 8,000 service members operate under JTF-SB across nearly 2,000 miles of the southern border and thousands of patrols have been conducted since its 2025 inception. Precise strike locations were not disclosed, and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum warned that unilateral action on Mexican soil would breach sovereignty. The deployments form part of broader counter-drone and laser-enabled security measures, with links to previous border incidents and prior laser deployments, including past disruptions around El Paso and a mistaken downing of a U.S. drone. The operation takes place amid a U.S. policy environment under President Donald Trump aimed at tightening immigration and cartel activity along the southern border.