The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has clarified that a rumor claiming major highways in and out of El Paso will be closed for ten days is false. This misinformation aligns with the timeframe of temporary flight restrictions imposed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) related to cartel drone activity in the El Paso area.
On Wednesday, Texas DPS issued a warning:
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is alerting the public about a misleading memo that has been circulating online and in the media, stating that there would be a 10-day temporary road closure in the El Paso region. This memo is untrue, and DPS has no intention of closing any major highways or roads in or around the area for the next ten days.
The origin of this memo remains unknown at this time, and no further details are available.
All legitimate communications from DPS are shared through the DPS Media and Communications Office, designated PIOs, and official DPS social media accounts.
Late Tuesday, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) restricted national airspace over El Paso due to cartel drone intrusions and a false highway closure notice intended to warn residents. A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) was issued to limit aircraft operations in El Paso and parts of eastern New Mexico, but these restrictions were lifted early Wednesday.
This NOTAM may have prompted individuals to spread the fake highway closure information, aiming to further alert travelers and residents in the El Paso border area.
Rep. Tony Gonzalez (R-Texas) commented on the situation, suggesting that better communication regarding the airspace closures was needed. “When accurate information is lacking, it leaves room for others to fill in the gaps,” the congressman noted.
According to Gonzalez, the absence of clear details about the airspace closure may have led hoaxers to take advantage of the situation and circulate misinformation about Texas roads.
Reports indicate no specific details have been shared regarding the cartel’s drone activities in El Paso’s airspace. There is ongoing reporting on the use of weaponized drones by drug cartels to target Mexican law enforcement and military, as well as to monitor operations on both sides of the border.
