FBI Confiscates Over 600 Drones Violating World Cup Airspace Restrictions

The FBI has confiscated more than 600 drones near FIFA World Cup sites due to violations of restricted airspace since the tournament started on June 11. Nationwide, the total number of seized drones has doubled in under two weeks.

Working with accredited operators and law enforcement agencies nationwide, the FBI monitors drone activities around World Cup competitions and associated fan events. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) controls airspace regulations, requiring drone operators to adhere to these restrictions. Violations have primarily resulted in ticketed citations and drone confiscations.

The FBI leads counter-drone operations in collaboration with federal, state, and local entities. Notably, an incident involving an unauthorized drone outside Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, California, was reported last month.

In Kansas City, authorities have seized 32 drones outside World Cup venues thus far. 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.” He encourages the public to report drones breaking the rules, warning that violators will face accountability by the Department of Justice.

In a mid-June case in Dallas, federal authorities charged a Honduran national for flying an unregistered drone around Dallas Stadium (also known as AT&T Stadium) during a temporary flight restriction. Luis Mauricio Flores Ordonez, 33, is accused of owning an unregistered aircraft operated by another individual and is currently detained pending trial.

The case illustrates the FBI’s detection and neutralization process for drones. Allegedly, Flores Ordonez operated his unregistered DJI Mini 3 PRO drone in a restricted airspace around Dallas Stadium during a game. The FBI rapidly detected the drone, which allowed a task force officer to locate and identify the operator.

For each World Cup match, a no-fly drone zone is enforced three hours before the match and remains until three hours after the match concludes.