Federal authorities say a twice-deported undocumented immigrant with an extensive criminal record has been charged after allegedly flying a drone in restricted airspace over Atlanta during a FIFA Fan Festival.
Prosecutors identified the suspect as Lorenzo Rojas-Martinez, who they say operated the unmanned aircraft on June 12 near Centennial Olympic Park, where the 2026 FIFA Fan Festival was taking place. According to officials, he was standing in a nearby parking lot and using the drone to record video of the event.
Lorenzo Rojas-Martinez, described by authorities as a twice-deported undocumented immigrant, is accused of operating a drone inside restricted FIFA airspace in Atlanta.
Investigators said FBI agents approached Rojas-Martinez and took him into custody after determining, through an identification check, that he was in the country illegally. He was then transferred to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody the following day.
“This criminal illegal alien dangerously flew a drone in restricted airspace near a FIFA event in Atlanta, Georgia,” Acting Assistant Homeland Security Secretary Lauren Bis said. Bis added that his criminal record includes drug trafficking, possession of stolen property, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and driving under the influence. “The Trump Administration will not allow illegal aliens to threaten the safety and security of the American people.”
Images from Atlanta showed the flags of the United States, FIFA, and Concacaf displayed at Mercedes-Benz Stadium during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Group G match between Manchester City FC and Al Ain FC on June 22, 2025.
Rojas-Martinez, 37, a Mexican citizen, is charged with operating a drone in a temporary flight restricted zone and illegal reentry by a removed alien.
Rojas-Martinez told investigators he first illegally entered the U.S. through Texas in 1999 and was deported in 2013. He was deported from the U.S. again in 2019 after re-entering illegally, DHS said.
Authorities don’t know when he made his third illegal trip across the southern border.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has established “No Drone Zones” over stadiums hosting FIFA World Cup 2026 matches and related fan events across the U.S.
Advancements in drone technology, including the ability to carry large payloads and fly long distances. (iStock)
During match days, all aircraft operations, including drones, will be prohibited within a 3-nautical-mile radius and up to 3,000 feet above ground level around the stadiums listed below, unless otherwise authorized by air traffic control, according to the FAA.
Drone operators who enter restricted airspace without authorization can face fines of up to $100,000, confiscation of their aircraft, and federal criminal charges.
