U.S. authorities have filed federal charges against a Mexican national accused of operating a drone in a restricted flight zone during FIFA 2026-related activities in Atlanta, Georgia.

According to a statement from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the investigation was carried out by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Service (ICE) in coordination with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

The detainee was identified as Lorenzo Rojas-Martínez, who allegedly operated a drone near Centennial Olympic Park on June 12 during the 2026 FIFA Fan Festival.

Detention during security operation

According to information released by the United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Georgia, FBI agents confronted the suspect and requested his identification. After verifying that he was in the country irregularly, he was taken into custody and later transferred to ICE.

Authorities reported that on June 15, charges were filed for operating a drone in a temporarily restricted area and for irregular re-entry into the United States.

DHS Background and Position

The statement indicates that Rojas-Martínez would have entered the United States for the first time in 1999 and was deported in 2013. Subsequently, he returned to the country and was expelled again in 2019. According to authorities, he re-entered for the third time on an undetermined date.

In addition, the DHS assured that he has a criminal record related to drug trafficking, possession of stolen property, fraud and other crimes.

“The Trump administration will not allow irregular immigrants to threaten the security of the American people,” said Lauren Bis, acting assistant secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

The case occurs amid the reinforcement of security measures implemented around the 2026 FIFA World Cup events, which will take place in various cities in the United States, Mexico and Canada.