FBI Seizes Over 600 Drones Near FIFA World Cup Sites

Since the FIFA World Cup tournament began on June 11, the FBI has confiscated over 600 drones found flying near World Cup venues. Authorities discovered these devices were infringing on restricted airspace regulations. The total number of seized drones nationwide has doubled rapidly.

The FBI, working alongside accredited operators from local and state law enforcement, is actively monitoring drone activity near World Cup competitions and related fan events. The Federal Aviation Administration oversees the airspace, and drone operators must adhere to these established restrictions. Ticketed citations and seizures have often followed violations.

Previously reported by NBC, the FBI leads the counter-drone efforts with federal, state, and local partners. Last month, law enforcement officials handled reports of unauthorized drones near Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, California. In Kansas City, authorities have so far seized 32 drones outside World Cup venues.

U.S. Attorney R. Matthew Price stated, “Not only is flying drones in TFR zones illegal, it’s dangerous. My office is committed to keeping our community and visitors safe by keeping our skies drone-free. If you see a drone breaking the rules, report it. If you are flying an illegal drone, think twice because violators will be held accountable by the Department of Justice.”

In a case from mid-June, federal authorities charged a Honduran national, Luis Mauricio Flores Ordonez, for flying an unregistered drone around Dallas Stadium, known as AT&T Stadium, during a temporary flight restriction. Flores Ordonez, aged 33, faced charges relating to owning an unregistered aircraft operated by someone else, and he remains detained awaiting trial.

This incident underscores the FBI’s capability to detect and manage drone threats. Allegedly, Flores Ordonez piloted his unregistered DJI Mini 3 PRO drone within flight-restricted airspace around Dallas Stadium during an ongoing game. The FBI promptly detected the drone, and a task force officer quickly identified and engaged the drone’s pilot.

For each game at the World Cup, a no-fly drone zone is enforced starting three hours prior to the match and continues for three hours after the match concludes.