FBI Arrests Mexican for Illegal Drone at Atlanta World Cup

Federal authorities have arrested a Mexican national for flying an unauthorized drone in restricted airspace near a FIFA World Cup fan festival in Atlanta, an incident that highlights heightened security measures and ongoing challenges for the tournament. Lorenzo Rojas-Martinez, 37, faces federal charges of operating a drone in a temporary flight restricted zone and illegal re-entry by a removed alien.

According to a criminal complaint, federal agents observed Rojas-Martinez operating the drone near Centennial Olympic Park on June 12, one day after the World Cup officially began. He was standing in a nearby parking area recording video of the fan festival. After agents requested his identification and reviewed his driver's license, they confirmed he was unlawfully present in the United States following two prior removals. Authorities also noted he has a prior conviction for cocaine distribution. He was taken into custody on June 14 and formally charged on June 15.

The arrest is part of a broader enforcement operation. The FBI's Atlanta field office reported that a total of 21 drones have been seized for violating strict no-fly zones around World Cup venues and fan events. U.S....