FBI seized more than 600 drones flying over World Cup games in US cities

FBI Seizes Over 600 Drones Flying Near World Cup Venues in US

Since the start of the FIFA World Cup in June, US law enforcement has seized more than 600 drones operating over restricted airspace near stadiums in American host cities, according to a report by The Guardian. The seizures occurred across all 11 US cities hosting matches, the outlet reported, including 99 drones captured in one city alone.

In a separate account, Russia's TASS news agency reported a different figure, citing FBI Director Kash Patel as saying that over 400 unauthorized drones had been intercepted near stadiums since the tournament began. Patel made the announcement on his X social media account, stating, "Since the start of the FIFA World Cup, US law enforcement agencies have intercepted over 400 unauthorized drones launched near stadiums and other sports venues."

The differing numbers—600 versus 400—reflect the two outlets' distinct sourcing. The Guardian's report did not specify an exact date for its tally, while TASS attributed its figure directly to Patel's social media statement. The discrepancy suggests either different counting methodologies or timing of the announcements.

The FBI and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) are enforcing temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) around stadiums and related game-watch sites, according to The Guardian. The agency had announced ahead of the tournament that it would enforce a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) drone flight restriction policy. Violations of these restrictions can result in civil fines up to $75,000 and criminal fines up to $100,000, as well as up to a year in prison and seizure of any drones involved, the report stated.

The restrictions apply to three hours before and after scheduled games, The Guardian reported. TASS reported that no-fly zones were in effect around 23 stadiums and other venues scheduled to host World Cup matches and events.

The FBI said it has deployed "advanced, specialized drone mitigation teams and technology to monitor, track, and intercept unauthorized unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) near major restricted-airspace events," according to The Guardian. The agency has generally kept its methods for intercepting drones—such as taking control of them or identifying operators on the ground—confidential.

Arrests have been made in connection with drone violations, the Guardian reported. One individual was arrested for operating a drone without an airman's certificate, and another for owning an unregistered aircraft. In one instance, a drone was flown over a stadium while a match was in progress, prompting the arrest.

Key Claims

The Guardian reported that more than 600 drones have been seized since the World Cup began, with the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security enforcing temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) around stadiums. The outlet noted that restrictions apply from three hours before to three hours after a scheduled game, and that violators can face civil fines up to $100,000 and additional penalties.

TASS, citing FBI Director Kash Patel's social media post, reported a lower figure of over 400 drones intercepted. The agency quoted Patel as saying, "...we've seized more than 400 drones operating near restricted FIFA airspace." TASS also reported that no-fly zones were in effect around 23 stadiums and venues, with violators facing fines and confiscation of drones.

The Guardian's report, which includes a statement from the FBI that did not appear in TASS's account, detailed that enforcement is being carried out by the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The agency described deploying "advanced, specialized drone interception teams" to handle unauthorized unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) near major restricted-airspace events.

The FBI has been careful not to reveal its drone-interception methods, including technologies for taking control of rogue drones, according to The Guardian. The outlet also reported that arrests have been made related to drone violations, including a man charged with operating without an airman's certificate and owning an unregistered aircraft after flying over a stadium during a match. TASS's report did not mention arrests or the specific number of drones seized per city, but it did note that no-fly zones are in effect around 23 stadiums and other venues scheduled to host World Cup matches and events.

Both outlets agree that violators face significant penalties. The Guardian reported that civil fines can reach $100,000, with additional penalties including up to a year in prison and seizure of equipment. TASS similarly reported fines ranging from $75,000 to $100,000 for violations.

The FBI and the Department of Homeland Security have been enforcing temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) around stadiums and related game-watch sites, as announced before the tournament. These restrictions apply three hours before and after scheduled games, according to The Guardian.

TASS also reported that the FAA had announced no-fly zones around 23 stadiums and other venues scheduled to host World Cup matches. Violators face fines and confiscation of their drones, TASS said.

Arrests have been made in connection with drone violations. The Guardian reported that one man was charged with operating without an airman's certificate after flying a drone over a stadium during a match, while another was charged with owning an unregistered drone. Specific details about the second arrest were not provided in the available material.

The enforcement effort involves specialized drone mitigation teams deployed across all 11 host cities. FBI Director Kash Patel announced the progress on his social media page, stating that "working with our partners across the country, we have seized more than 400 drones" — a figure that The Guardian's report surpasses, citing more than 600 seizures.

While the exact number of drones seized varies between reports, both sources agree on the scale of the problem and the strict enforcement measures in place. The World Cup, which runs from June 11 to July 19, has drawn large crowds and heightened security concerns, making drone enforcement a priority for federal agencies.

As the tournament continues, authorities are maintaining a visible presence to deter unauthorized drone flights, with the FBI emphasizing both the legal consequences and the safety risks posed by drones in restricted airspace.