FBI continues to seize drones flown over FIFA airspace
By Alexsis Jones
June 23, 2026 at 8:08 AM CDT
Since June 11th, aAuthorities have seized 39 drones in restricted airspace over Dallas Stadium in Arlington and the FIFA Fan Fest in Fair Park since June 11.
On Monday, FBI's Dallas office emphasized in a social media update post that pilots must confirm local airspace regulations prior to takeoff.
"Flying a drone in a restricted zone is a federal crime and can result in criminal fines up to $100,000, prison time, and drone confiscation," stated the social mediathe post on X states.
"With FIFA World Cup 2026 in full swing, #FBIDallas reminds drone operators to check for active flight restrictions at and around official event locations," the agency posted. ". Each drone operator is responsible for knowing the location of these restrictions."
As the international tournament continues, the FBI and Federal Aviation Administration or FAA are using specialized counter-drone teams and federally authorized technology to detect and mitigate unauthorized flights.
Officials warned that violating temporary flight restrictions is a federal crime punishable by up to $100,000 in fines, prison time, and equipment confiscation.
These agencies are escalating warnings to operators, emphasizing that flights in these zones are prohibited to ensure public safety and preserve evidence for prosecution.
Alexsis Jones is a reporter and producer for KERA News. Got a tip? Email Alexsis at ajones@kera.org.
KERA News is made possible through the generosity of our members. If you find this reporting valuable, consider making a tax-deductible gift today. Thank you.
On Monday, FBI's Dallas office emphasized in a social media update post that pilots must confirm local airspace regulations prior to takeoff.
"Flying a drone in a restricted zone is a federal crime and can result in criminal fines up to $100,000, prison time, and drone confiscation," stated the social mediathe post on X states.
"With FIFA World Cup 2026 in full swing, #FBIDallas reminds drone operators to check for active flight restrictions at and around official event locations," the agency posted. ". Each drone operator is responsible for knowing the location of these restrictions."
As the international tournament continues, the FBI and Federal Aviation Administration or FAA are using specialized counter-drone teams and federally authorized technology to detect and mitigate unauthorized flights.
Officials warned that violating temporary flight restrictions is a federal crime punishable by up to $100,000 in fines, prison time, and equipment confiscation.
These agencies are escalating warnings to operators, emphasizing that flights in these zones are prohibited to ensure public safety and preserve evidence for prosecution.
Alexsis Jones is a reporter and producer for KERA News. Got a tip? Email Alexsis at ajones@kera.org.
KERA News is made possible through the generosity of our members. If you find this reporting valuable, consider making a tax-deductible gift today. Thank you.