Federal Authorities Seize 94 Drones, File Criminal Charges During FIFA World Cup Security Operation in North Texas
DALLAS. Federal authorities seized 94 unauthorized drones and filed criminal charges against multiple operators during the 2026 FIFA World Cup as part of an extensive airspace security operation across North Texas.
U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould announced the results of the operation alongside the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Secret Service, Federal Aviation Administration, Texas Department of Public Safety and numerous state and local law enforcement partners.
To protect World Cup venues, the FAA established Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) over AT&T Stadium and Fair Park, home of the tournament’s Fan Festival.
The restrictions created a three-nautical-mile no-fly zone extending to 3,000 feet around AT&T Stadium beginning three hours before each match and ending three hours afterward. A separate one-nautical-mile restriction extending to 1,000 feet was enforced over Fair Park throughout the tournament, which ran from June 11 through July 19.
Law enforcement agencies deployed specialized counter-drone teams equipped with advanced technology capable of detecting and intercepting unauthorized unmanned aircraft.
During the tournament, authorities seized 65 drones near AT&T Stadium and another 29 drones at Fair Park, for a total of 94 drone seizures.
Officials said enforcement actions included confiscating drones, issuing civil fines, documenting violations and, in some cases, filing federal criminal charges. Investigations involving the drone incursions remain ongoing.
Among those charged were:
- Luis Mauricio Flores Ordonez, a Honduran national, who was charged with violating national defense airspace after allegedly flying a drone near AT&T Stadium during the June 14 match. His guilty plea and sentencing hearing is scheduled for Aug. 19.
- Cristobal Torres Alvarez, a Mexican national, who was charged with operating a drone without an airman’s certificate in restricted airspace near AT&T Stadium during the June 27 match. He faces up to three years in federal prison.
- Servando Piedra Munoz, a Mexican national, who was charged with operating a drone without an airman’s certificate in restricted airspace during the July 14 semifinal match near AT&T Stadium. He also faces a maximum sentence of three years in federal prison.
The operation was coordinated through a 24-hour Joint Operations Center that allowed participating agencies to share intelligence and coordinate responses in real time.
Texas DPS also deployed mobile and fixed drone detection and mitigation systems funded through a $3.2 million FEMA grant. The technology included radio-frequency monitoring, Remote ID tracking and non-kinetic counter-drone systems operated by personnel trained by the FBI.
Authorities also launched a public awareness campaign reminding drone operators to register and properly label their drones, obtain required FAA certifications, check Temporary Flight Restrictions before flying and report suspicious drone activity to law enforcement.
“What we learned is that robust planning, advanced technology, and interagency unity can effectively neutralize airborne threats,” U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould said. “Drones are here to stay, and so must our vigilance.”
FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock credited the close coordination among federal, state and local agencies, saying those partnerships helped ensure the safety and success of one of the largest sporting events ever hosted in the United States.
Federal officials said the operation established a blueprint for protecting future large-scale events in North Texas, including the FIFA Women’s World Cup and other major international gatherings.
