[Saba Sports News] According to British media reports, the FBI carried out a large-scale crackdown on drone-related violations during the World Cup and arrested an undocumented migrant. As part of the FBI’s sweeping World Cup security enforcement operations, Lorenzo Rojas Martínez, a Mexican national, was taken into custody for flying a drone over Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta. He has a prior drug trafficking conviction and had previously been deported twice from the United States. It is understood that Rojas Martínez operated the drone from a parking lot near Centennial Olympic Park to record footage of fans. The FBI arrested him after confirming he was residing in the U.S. without legal status. He now faces charges of unauthorised drone operation and illegal entry into the country. Federal agents also seized a total of 21 illegal drones during the operation in Atlanta. A U.S. Attorney stated: “Operating a drone without authorisation in restricted airspace poses a severe threat to public safety.”
The editor believes that the FBI has imposed a blanket ban on drone flights over World Cup stadiums and fan zones. Violators face fines of up to $100,000 as well as criminal charges. Meanwhile, the FBI has deployed its own drones to conduct counter-drone patrols above tournament venues.