The FBI says it has seized more than 600 drones that entered restricted airspace during the FIFA World Cup in the United States, highlighting the scale of unauthorized drone activity since the tournament began in June.
According to a statement posted by the agency on X, FBI and Department of Homeland Security personnel have intercepted drones across all 11 U.S. host cities. The highest number of seizures has been reported in Miami, where 99 drones were captured, followed by Atlanta with 77, Dallas with 63, Los Angeles with 48, New York with 40, Houston with 33 and Kansas City with 32. Seattle recorded 29 seizures, while Newark, near the venue for the July 19 final, reported nine.
Temporary flight restrictions in force
Ahead of the tournament, the FBI announced it would enforce Federal Aviation Administration temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) around stadiums and designated fan zones. The restrictions remain in effect for three hours before and after each scheduled match.
The agency warned that violations can result in civil penalties of up to $75,000, criminal fines of up to $100,000, up to one year in prison and the seizure of any drones involved.
While the FBI has not disclosed the specific technologies it is using, it said it has deployed “advanced, specialized drone mitigation teams and technology to monitor, track, and intercept unauthorized unmanned aerial vehicles near major restricted-airspace events.”
Arrests made over drone violations
Several cases have already resulted in criminal charges.
In Texas, one man was charged with operating a drone without an airman’s certificate after allegedly flying over the Dallas stadium during a World Cup match. A second individual was charged with owning an unregistered aircraft that was operated by another person.
U.S. Attorney for the District of Kansas R. Matthew Price warned that authorities would continue enforcing the restrictions:
“Not only is flying drones in TFR zones illegal, it’s dangerous,” Price said. “My office is committed to keeping our community and visitors safe by keeping our skies drone-free.”
He added:
“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 U.S. Department of Justice.
U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould also urged drone operators to comply with the restrictions:
“It is our duty to make sure that these fans as well as our great citizens … are protected from drone interference and potentially dangerous situations.”
He added:
“If you operate a drone, you have a duty to know the law. And know that you cannot fly a drone over either Dallas Stadium or [an associated fan fest] during the World Cup. If you disregard this warning, you should expect to be prosecuted in federal court.”
The tournament has been supported by an extensive federal security effort. The Federal Emergency Management Agency allocated $625 million for security and emergency preparedness, while only the July 19 final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey has been designated a National Special Security Event, bringing additional protection measures including FAA-enforced flight restrictions, counter-drone systems and coordinated security operations led by the U.S. Secret Service, FBI and local authorities.
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Post Image Credit: Robin Radar
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