DALLAS—United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, Ryan Raybould, in collaboration with 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 other federal, state, and local partners, highlights the strengthened airspace security strategy and operational plan implemented during the FIFA World Cup 2026 in North Texas. An active Joint Operations Center, advanced counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems (drones), rigorous enforcement, and a proactive public education campaign contributed to the success of this operation.From the outset, the FAA established Temporary Flight Restrictions over key locations in the Metroplex.
One included a 3 nautical mile radius up to 3,000 feet around AT&T Stadium (“Dallas Stadium”) beginning three hours before each match and ending three hours after each match concluded. A second included a 1 nautical mile up to 1,000 feet TFR was enforced during daily Fan Festival activities at Fair Park through the entirety of the World Cup (June 11-July 19).During the operation, law enforcement deployed counter UAS teams equipped to detect and intercept unauthorized drones. Law enforcement seized 65 drones at Dallas Stadium and 29 more at Fair Park, the location of Fan Fest in Dallas. As a result of these seizures, we undertook various enforcement actions, including seizing the drones, issuing fines, documenting the drone incursion, and, in some instances, charging the drone operators with federal crimes.
As a result of the 94 drone seizures during the TFRs, various drone investigations remain ongoing.Some of the key enforcement actions include the following:Luis Mauricio Flores Ordonez, a Honduran national, was charged with violation of national defense airspace for flying a drone near “Dallas Stadium” during the June 14 match; his guilty plea and sentencing hearing are set for Aug. 19. Cristobal Torres Alvarez, a Mexican national, was charged for operating a drone without an airman’s certificate in restricted airspace near “Dallas Stadium” during the June 27 match. Alvarez faces up to three years in federal prison.Servando Piedra Munoz, a Mexican national, was charged for operating a drone without an airman’s certificate in restricted airspace near “Dallas Stadium” during the July 14 semi-final match. Munoz faces up to three years in federal prison.These efforts were supported by the Northern District’s 24/7 Joint Operations Center, facilitating real-time sharing of intelligence and coordination of field responses.
The Texas DPS, aided by a $3.2 million FEMA grant, deployed mobile and fixed drone detection and mitigation systems—using radio-frequency monitoring, Remote ID tracking, and non-kinetic countermeasures—with personnel trained by the FBI.A broad Public Service Campaign accompanied these measures, urging drone operators to:Register and label their dronesObtain a Part 107 certification or TRUST certificateCheck TFRs via FAA-approved B4UFLY toolsReport suspicious drone activity to 911, local law enforcement or the FBIU.S. Attorney Raybould on the operation’s significance:“What we learned is that robust planning, advanced technology, and interagency unity can effectively neutralize airborne threats. Drones are here to stay—and so must our vigilance. As we look to future major events, we will sharpen these systems and partnerships to uphold safety in our skies.
We also showed the world that more major sporting events - like the Women’s World Cup - belong in North Texas!”FBI Dallas SAC R. Joseph Rothrock added:“Over the past 5 weeks, the FBI helped to secure one of the largest sporting events in our country’s history. In Dallas, those efforts included protecting the matches at Dallas Stadium and Fan Fest at Fair Park from unauthorized drone activity. These efforts culminated in the seizure of over 90 drones,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R.
Joseph Rothrock. “We want to thank our state, local, and federal partners for their assistance in drone operations. The success and safety of the tournament would not have been possible without these partnerships.”Lessons LearnedAdvanced Detection + Skilled Personnel: The integration of real-time UAS technology and trained operators enabled rapid detection and neutralization of airborne threats.Constant Command and Control: The 24/7 Joint Operations Center ensured coordination and swift action across all responding agencies.Enhanced Public Awareness: Clear messaging and outreach reduced inadvertent violations and encouraged active community reporting.Legal Deterrence: Prompt prosecutions signaled the seriousness of violations and reinforced the consequences of non-compliance.Future Preparedness: Drones will remain a persistent presence at public gatherings—our successes here establish a blueprint for proactive, scalable responses at future events.The Northern District of Texas reaffirms its commitment to securing large-scale gatherings and protecting the public. Through coordinated strategy, resource investment, and community engagement, we aim to maintain airspace integrity and public trust.###