UMVA has learned that federal authorities have made a stunning arrest in Atlanta, apprehending an illegal alien who allegedly flew a drone in restricted airspace near the FIFA World Cup festivities.
The suspect, identified as Lorenzo Rojas-Martinez, a 37-year-old from Mexico, has a prior conviction for cocaine distribution and faces federal charges for flying a drone in a temporary flight-restricted zone and for illegal reentry after two prior deportations.
According to information obtained by UMVA, federal agents with the FBI Atlanta Counter UAV Task Force spotted Rojas-Martinez on June 12 operating the unauthorized drone directly over the FIFA World Cup festivities in downtown Atlanta.
This arrest comes as federal law enforcement agencies intensify efforts to secure World Cup venues and surrounding fan zones from potential threats, with a focus on the growing threat of rogue drones.
The FBI Director has warned that drones represent one of the most significant security challenges facing the tournament, and the agency is working around the clock with interagency partners to protect the games.
The FBI Atlanta’s Counter UAV Task Force has now seized 21 drones from operators violating the temporary flight restrictions around World Cup events in Atlanta, including the one flown by Rojas-Martinez.
The task force is continuing aggressive enforcement, with Ground Intercept Teams working to locate operators, seize drones, and pursue prosecution of those who violate the restricted airspace in place around FIFA World Cup activities.
