FBI Has Seized More Than 600 Drones Near World Cup Sites as Counter-Drone Operations Double in Two Weeks

The FBI has seized more than 600 drones in restricted airspace near FIFA World Cup sites across all eleven US host cities since the tournament began on June 11, according to NBC News 1. The total, which the FBI attributed to coordination with the Department of Homeland Security in a post on X, has doubled in less than two weeks 1. In Kansas City alone, authorities have carried out 32 drone seizures outside World Cup venues 1. Most violations of the temporary flight restrictions, which run three hours before and after each match, have resulted in citations and seizures, though at least one case has drawn federal charges. Luis Mauricio Flores Ordonez, a Honduran national, was charged in Dallas in mid-June for piloting an unregistered DJI Mini 3 PRO near AT&T Stadium during a match and is being held pending trial 1. US Attorney R. Matthew Price said his office is committed to keeping the airspace around games clear and that violators will face Justice Department enforcement 1.