FBI: Twice-Deported Illegal Immigrant Charged With Flying Drone Near Atlanta FIFA Fan Festival

Lorenzo Rojas-Martinez, 37, of Mexico was federally charged on June 15 with operating a drone in a temporary flight restricted zone and illegal reentry by a removed alien.

Rachel Acenas

Published: 6/17/2026, 11:53:18 AM EDT

FBI: Twice-Deported Illegal Immigrant Charged With Flying Drone Near Atlanta FIFA Fan Festival — A 2026 FIFA World Cup logo pictured at a press conference of Belgian national soccer team Red Devils in Atlanta, Ga., on March 27, 2026. (Dirk Waem/Belga/AFP via Getty Images)

A twice-deported illegal immigrant with a criminal history has been arrested for flying a drone in restricted airspace near the FIFA World Cup Fan Festival in Atlanta, according to the FBI.

Lorenzo Rojas-Martinez, 37, of Mexico, was federally charged on June 15 with operating a drone in a temporary flight restricted zone and illegal reentry by a removed alien.

Federal agents witnessed Rojas-Martinez operating the drone near Centennial Olympic Park during the 2026 FIFA Fan Festival on June 12 while standing in a parking lot and recording video of the match. Agents requested his identification and reviewed his driver's license, confirming that he was unlawfully present in the United States following two prior removals, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office in the Northern District of Georgia.

Prosecutors added that Rojas-Martinez has a prior conviction for cocaine distribution among other charges.

FBI Director Kash Patel announced his arrest Wednesday on social media, crediting FBI Atlanta for the arrest.

"Our teams all over the country continue working 24/7 with interagency partners protecting the games - this FBI will pursue and bring to justice ANY criminal actor who targets the events," Patel wrote on X.

The FBI, along with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), is investigating the case.

The FBI's Ground Intercept Teams have been assigned to locate operators and seize drones. So far, a total of 21 drones have been seized in Atlanta, including this current case, according to prosecutors.

“Unauthorized drone operations in restricted airspace present a serious risk to public safety, particularly during major international events such as the FIFA World Cup,” U.S. Attorney Theodore Hertzberg said in a statement. “This enforcement action reflects the coordinated efforts of our federal and local partners to detect, disrupt, and deter unlawful activity that could endanger spectators, athletes, and first responders.”

As one of the host countries of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the United States has the largest share with 11 venues that include stadiums in major cities, including Atlanta.

The FBI and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have officially designated all FIFA World Cup 2026 stadiums and surrounding event spaces as strict "No Drone Zones" where unauthorized drone flights are banned. Taking off, landing, or flying a drone within these restricted areas violates federal and local regulations," according to the FAA.

The agency has warned that violators face severe consequences. Civil penalties carry up to $75,000 per violation, while criminal fines up to $100,000. They also face criminal charges, incarceration, and confiscation of their drones.