Federal authorities have arrested an illegal alien after he allegedly flew a drone in restricted airspace near FIFA World Cup festivities in downtown Atlanta.
Lorenzo Rojas-Martinez, a 37-year-old illegal alien from Mexico with a prior conviction for cocaine distribution, faces federal charges for flying a drone in a temporary flight-restricted zone and for illegal reentry after two prior deportations.
Federal agents with the FBI Atlanta Counter UAV Task Force spotted him on June 12 operating the unauthorized drone in restricted airspace directly over the FIFA World Cup festivities in downtown Atlanta.
The arrest comes as federal law enforcement agencies intensify efforts to secure World Cup venues and surrounding fan zones from potential threats. FBI Director Kash Patel has repeatedly warned that drones represent one of the most significant security challenges facing the tournament.
FBI Director Kash Patel did not mince words:
“FBI arrested an illegal alien flying a drone in restricted airspace near @FIFAWorldCup Fan Fest — well done @FBIAtlanta. Our teams all over the country continue working 24/7 with interagency partners protecting the games — this FBI will pursue and bring to justice ANY criminal actor who targets the events.”
FBI arrested an illegal alien flying a drone in restricted airspace near @FIFAWorldCup Fan Fest – well done @FBIAtlanta
Our teams all over the country continue working 24/7 with interagency partners protecting the games – this FBI will pursue and bring to justice ANY criminal… pic.twitter.com/VUengmLs4n
— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) June 17, 2026
FBI Atlanta’s Counter UAV Task Force has now seized 21 drones from operators violating the temporary flight restrictions around World Cup events in Atlanta, including the one flown by Rojas-Martinez. Ground Intercept Teams are continuing aggressive enforcement.
“FBI Atlanta’s Counter UAV Task Force has seized 21 drones, including Rojas-Martinez’s,” said Marlo Graham, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “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.”
Jim Hᴏft is the founder and editor of The Gateway Pundit, one of the top conservative news outlets in America. Jim was awarded the Reed Irvine Accuracy in Media Award in 2013 and is the proud recipient of the Breitbart Award for Excellence in Online Journalism from the Americans for Prosperity Foundation in May 2016.
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