US Helicopter ‘Struck by a Laser’ from Mexico Multiple Times While Patrolling Border
The article discusses rising tensions along the U.S.-Mexico border, highlighting a recent incident on February 9 where a Border Patrol helicopter was targeted by lasers originating from Mexico. According to Customs and Border Protection, this incident is part of a troubling trend of laser attacks against their Air Interdiction Agents. During this particular event, the helicopter was hit three times while patrolling near McAllen, Texas; fortunately, there were no injuries reported.
This incident follows other alarming occurrences, including a laser attack on a helicopter in Jacksonville, Florida, and reports of shots fired at Border Patrol agents from within Mexico. Border Patrol has also stopped using body cameras in the field due to concerns about agents being located. The article emphasizes the seriousness of shining lasers at piloted aircraft, which can cause perilous conditions, including midair collisions. Such actions are classified as federal crimes, potentially punishable by up to 20 years in prison. The article underscores the growing volatility in border regions, exacerbated by drug cartel activities and violence.
As tensions along the Southern Border rise, a Border Patrol helicopter was recently targeted by a laser from Mexico.
A news release from Customs and Border Protection said, the Feb. 9 incident was one of several in recent months in which lasers have targeted Air Interdiction Agents that are part of the Border Patrol’s Air and Marine Operations.
The release said that in the Feb. 9 incident, the chopper was flying about 13 miles west of the McAllen International Airport.
“While on patrol an AS-350 helicopter was struck three times with a laser that originated from a vehicle on the Mexican riverbank,” the release said.
DHS helicopter patrolling border struck three times by laser from Mexico https://t.co/EHYq2ziXrM
— Fox News (@FoxNews) February 18, 2025
The release noted that on Jan. 9, a helicopter in Jacksonville, Florida, was targeted by a laser.
One person was arrested in that incident.
The release said, no one was injured in the incidents.
“When laser beams are aimed at any piloted aircraft, whether military or commercial, what might seem like a tiny beam on the ground can blind aircrew, potentially causing a midair collision or other incident,” the release said.
The release added that shining a laser into the cockpit of a plane is a federal crime that could lead to up to 20 years in jail.
Tensions on the border have grown in recent months to the point where Border Patrol agents no longer wear body cameras in the field because they can be potentially located, according to Fox News.
In January, members of a Mexican drug cartel fired on Border Patrol agents.
Texas Department of Public Safety Lt. Chris Olivarez said, shots from inside Mexico were fired at Border Patrol agents on Fronton Island, according to KABB.
🚨 #BREAKING: Suspected cartel gunmen have begun FIRING AT Border Patrol agents in Fronton, TX, per FOX’s @BillMelugin_
The cartels were in the process of smuggling illegals across the river.
THIS is why Trump designated the cartels foreign terrorist organizations.
Time for… pic.twitter.com/7Q5ld3qblL
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) January 27, 2025
Earlier in January, what officials called “suspected cartel members” were blamed for shooting at hikers near the border in California’s San Diego County, according to Fox News.
A group of Americans hiking in the Jacumba Wilderness in California met two suspected cartel members, who initially yelled at two members of the hiking party.
The hikers turned away from the suspected cartel members, who first shot into the air and then at the hikers, wounding one in the leg.
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