Twice-deported illegal immigrant arrested for flying drone in restricted FIFA airspace

An illegal immigrant from Mexico with a lengthy rap sheet was busted for allegedly operating a drone within restricted FIFA airspace in Atlanta, authorities said, as World Cup organizers and law enforcement are on high alert for potential threats.

Lorenzo Rojas-Martinez was found flying the unmanned aircraft near Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta on June 12 during the 2026 FIFA Fan Festival, according to the US Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia.

Rojas-Martinez was in the country illegally and has prior convictions for drug trafficking, stolen property, contributing to the delinquency of a minor and two counts of fraud. U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia

He was approached by FBI agents who requested his identification, and took him into custody upon learning he was in the US illegally.

The following day, the bureau turned him over to ICE custody. He was charged June 15 with operating a drone in a temporary flight restricted zone and illegal re-entry into the country.

Rojaz-Martinez told investigators he first illegally entered the US in 1999 and was deported in 2013.

He then illegally re-entered the country — a felony — at an unknown date and location before being deported a second time in 2019.

Undeterred by his previous deportations, he illegally entered the country for a third time, also at an unknown date and location.

His criminal history includes prior convictions for drug trafficking, stolen property, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, two counts of fraud and an arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol.

FIFA has declared airspace around any World Cup event a “No Drone Zone,” imposing stiff penalties for unauthorized flights. AFP via Getty Images

“This criminal illegal alien dangerously flew a drone in restricted airspace near a FIFA event in Atlanta, Georgia,” said Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis.

“The Trump Administration will not allow illegal aliens to threaten the safety and security of the American people.”

FIFA declared the 2026 World Cup a “No Drone Zone” to ensure the safety for all players and participants, and the Federal Aviation Administration, the FBI and local law enforcement have been actively monitoring the airspace around matches and other events.

According to FIFA, operating a drone within a restricted area without authorization carries stiff consequences, including civil penalties up to $75,000 per violation and criminal fines up to $100,000.

The FBI is also cleared to use “specialized mitigation tools” to intercept and seize unauthorized drones, and violators could face federal criminal charges and arrest.