The Federal Bureau of Investigation has arrested Lorenzo Rojas-Martinez, an alleged undocumented immigrant and former convict, for flying a drone in FIFA World Cup restricted airspace.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia, the incident occurred on Friday, when federal agents caught Mr Rojas-Martinez operating a drone in restricted airspace near the Centennial Olympic Park, the venue for the FIFA Fan Festival in Atlanta.
The attorney’s office also alleged that the suspect, who had reportedly been previously deported from the United States to Mexico twice, was filming the event, prompting federal officers to arrest him at the spot after he admitted to not having the permit to operate the drone.
Additionally, the 37-year-old’s illegal immigration status was confirmed after his driver’s licence was checked through the system by officials. Authorities also revealed that he had a prior conviction for cocaine distribution and other crimes.
“On June 12, 2026, federal agents allegedly observed Lorenzo Rojas‑Martinez operating a drone in restricted airspace near Centennial Olympic Park during the 2026 FIFA Fan Festival in Atlanta while standing in a nearby parking area and recording video of the event.
“After requesting his identification and reviewing his driver’s license, agents allegedly confirmed that he was unlawfully present in the United States following two prior removals. Rojas-Martinez has a prior conviction for cocaine distribution among other charges,” the criminal complaint against Mr Rojas-Martinez stated.
The government had earlier warned tourists against flying drones without proper authorisation from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), adding that several locations designated for activities during the World Cup, including stadiums and FIFA Fan Festival venues, are subject to restricted airspace.
Mr Rojas-Martinez was subsequently charged on Monday for operating a drone in a temporary flight restricted zone and illegal reentry by a removed alien.
Commenting on the arrest, Marlo Graham, special agent in Charge of the FBI Atlanta, disclosed that the agency has confiscated 21 drones and added that federal agents will continue to enforce strict compliance with airspace restrictions over World Cup venues.
“FBI Atlanta’s Counter UAV Task Force has seized 21 drones, including Rojas-Martinez’s. As these operators are putting the community at risk, our Ground Intercept Teams will continue to locate operators, seize drones, and pursue prosecution of those who violate the restricted airspace in place around FIFA World Cup activities,” Ms Graham stated.
