FBI Confiscates Over 600 Illegal Drones Near World Cup Venues Across U.S.

The FBI reports that more than 600 drones have been seized within restricted World Cup airspace across the United States since the tournament commenced in June, including 99 intercepted in Miami, 77 in Atlanta, and 32 in Kansas City.

In an X post, the agency noted that drones were intercepted in each of the 11 host cities by both the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security.

Prior to the event, the FBI declared it would enforce FAA temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) around stadiums and associated viewing locations.

Violations of these TFRs can incur civil penalties of up to $75,000, criminal fines of up to $100,000, a maximum of one year in prison, and confiscation of the offending drones.

While the agency typically maintains secrecy around its drone‑interception methods — such as remote takeover or ground‑based operator identification — the FBI confirmed deployment of advanced, specialized mitigation teams and technology to monitor, track, and neutralize unauthorized UAVs near key restricted‑airspace events.

The tally of seized drones since the competition started on June 10 indicates that some operators may have disregarded the FBI’s warnings, as flight restrictions are enforced three hours before and after each scheduled match.

“Flying drones within TFR zones is not only illegal, it is also hazardous,” said Kansas City U.S. Attorney R. Matthew Price. “My office is dedicated to safeguarding our community and visitors by maintaining a drone‑free airspace.”

“If you observe a drone violating these rules, report it immediately. Operators who fly drones unlawfully should be aware that they will be prosecuted by the U.S. Department of Justice.”

One individual was arrested for operating a drone without an airman’s certificate over the Dallas stadium during a match, while another was charged with possessing an unregistered UAV that was flown by a third party.

In a statement to the Dallas news outlet KDFW, U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould for the Northern District of Texas said: “It is our duty to ensure that fans and all citizens are protected from drone interference and potentially dangerous situations.”

“If you operate a drone, you must understand the law and know that flying over Dallas Stadium or any associated fan festival during the World Cup is prohibited. Violators will face federal prosecution.”

Reporting by various news outlets indicates the following counts of seized drones in restricted zones: Los Angeles (48), Miami (98), Seattle (29), Dallas (63), Atlanta (77), New York (40), and Houston (33). Newark, located near the venue for the July 19 World Cup final, records the lowest count at just nine.

Comprehensive security preparations for the tournament have encompassed FBI training exercises, with the Federal Emergency Management Agency allocating $625 million to bolster security and emergency readiness. However, only the championship match at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, has been classified as a National Special Security Event (NSSE).

Host cities in Mexico and Canada also staged World Cup matches throughout the competition.

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