FBI Seizes Over 600 Drones Near World Cup Venues as Security Crackdown Intensifies
Federal authorities have seized more than 600 drones near FIFA World Cup venues since the tournament kicked off on June 11, marking a dramatic escalation in enforcement as officials grapple with a surge in unauthorized drone flights over restricted airspace. The number of confiscated devices has doubled in less than two weeks, underscoring the scale of the challenge at one of the world’s most-watched sporting events.
The FBI, working alongside accredited operators from local and state law enforcement agencies nationwide, is maintaining a constant watch over drone activity near World Cup matches and affiliated fan festivals. The operation is part of a broader counter-drone strategy that pulls together federal, state and local resources — a coordinated effort first reported by NBC News.
Under Federal Aviation Administration rules, drone operators are responsible for knowing and obeying temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) that go into effect around major events. Most of the violations have resulted in ticketed citations and confiscation of equipment, though more serious cases can lead to federal charges.
In Kansas City alone, authorities have seized 32 drones outside World Cup-related events so far. “Not only is flying drones in TFR zones illegal, it’s dangerous,” said U.S. Attorney R. Matthew Price. “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.”
The enforcement push comes amid growing concerns over the potential risks posed by drones — from disrupting broadcast feeds and distracting players to causing collisions or being weaponized. Security experts say the sheer number of drone incidents at this year’s World Cup highlights the difficulty of policing a rapidly expanding consumer drone market where operators often ignore or are unaware of airspace restrictions.
One notable case from mid-June involved a Honduran national, Luis Mauricio Flores Ordonez, 33, who was charged with flying an unregistered drone — a DJI Mini 3 PRO — near AT&T Stadium in Dallas while a game was underway and a temporary flight restriction was in place. According to court documents, the FBI detected the drone within seconds, and a task force officer quickly located and contacted the pilot. Flores Ordonez is being detained pending trial.
The case illustrates how the FBI’s counter-drone technology works: sensors spot unauthorized aircraft almost instantly, and ground teams move in to identify and detain operators. The speed of the response is meant to send a clear message that the airspace above World Cup venues is not open for recreational flying.
For context, a no-fly drone zone is enforced three hours before each World Cup match and continues for three hours after the final whistle. Violators face not only confiscation of their drones but also potential federal prosecution, fines and even jail time.
As the tournament continues, law enforcement officials say they expect the number of seizures to keep climbing — and they are urging anyone planning to fly a drone near World Cup venues to reconsider. “This is about protecting 100,000 fans in a stadium from what could be a very serious incident,” one FBI official told NBC News on condition of anonymity. “We’d rather seize a thousand drones than have one close call.”
This article was originally published on NBCNews.com.