Twice-deported illegal arrested for allegedly flying drone in FIFA airspace
New York Post • • sports
Key Points:
- Lorenzo Rojas-Martinez, an illegal immigrant from Mexico with a criminal history, was arrested for flying a drone within restricted FIFA airspace near Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta during the 2026 FIFA Fan Festival on June 12.
- FBI agents detained Rojas-Martinez after discovering his illegal status; he was charged with operating a drone in a temporary flight restricted zone and illegal re-entry into the US.
- Rojas-Martinez has been deported twice previously and re-entered the country illegally multiple times, with a criminal record including drug trafficking, fraud, and DUI.
- FIFA declared the 2026 World Cup a “No Drone Zone” to protect event safety, with the FAA, FBI, and local law enforcement actively monitoring and authorized to seize unauthorized drones.
- Violators flying drones in restricted areas face severe penalties, including civil fines up to $75,000, criminal fines up to $100,000, and potential federal criminal charges.
