In a disturbing breach of safety measures, a twice-deported immigrant with an extensive criminal record has been charged for piloting a drone over restricted airspace during the FIFA Fan Festival in Atlanta. The incident unfolded on June 12 near Centennial Olympic Park, the site of the festival.
Lorenzo Rojas-Martinez, according to federal prosecutors, operated the drone from a nearby parking lot and captured video footage of the festivities. This activity was expressly forbidden due to the airspace restrictions enforced during the 2026 FIFA Fan Festival.
FBI agents confronted Rojas-Martinez, who had been deported twice previously. When asked for his identification, it was revealed that he was living illegally in the U.S., which led to his immediate arrest. He was then transferred to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) the next day.
Acting Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security, Lauren Bis, highlighted the seriousness of the incident by expressing her concerns. She stated, “This criminal illegal alien recklessly operated a drone in restricted airspace near a significant FIFA event in Atlanta, Georgia.” Bis also noted Rojas-Martinez’s extensive criminal background, citing offenses such as drug trafficking, possession of stolen property, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and driving under the influence. She emphasized the administration’s dedication to safeguarding American citizens from such threats.
Bis further emphasized the situation, saying, “This criminal illegal alien dangerously flew a drone in restricted airspace near a FIFA event in Atlanta, Georgia.” She reiterated his extensive criminal history and assured that the administration remains resolute in its efforts to prevent illegal aliens from compromising the safety and security of Americans.
Flags of the United States, FIFA, and Concacaf fly at Mercedes-Benz Stadium during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Group G match between Manchester City FC and Al Ain FC in Atlanta, Ga., on June 22, 2025. (Robbie Jay Barratt -AMA/Getty Images)
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.