A twice-deported immigrant with a criminal past has been charged for flying a drone in restricted airspace during a FIFA fan festival in Atlanta, according to officials.
Lorenzo Rojas-Martinez allegedly operated a drone near Centennial Olympic Park while recording the event from a nearby parking lot on June 12. Federal prosecutors provided this information.
After FBI agents approached him and requested identification, law enforcement confirmed his illegal status in the U.S. and took him into custody. He was subsequently handed over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement the following day.
“This individual recklessly flew a drone in a no-fly zone adjacent to a FIFA event,” stated Lauren Biss, Acting Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security. “His extensive criminal background includes drug trafficking, theft, contributing to a minor’s delinquency, and DUI. We will not allow such individuals to jeopardize public safety.”
Rojas-Martinez, 37, originally from Mexico, faces charges for flying a drone in a temporary restricted area and for illegal re-entry after being deported.
He claimed to have first entered the U.S. illegally in Texas in 1999 and had been deported in 2013, only to re-enter again and be deported in 2019. Authorities are unclear about the timing of his third illegal crossing.
The Federal Aviation Administration has designated specific “drone-free zones” over stadiums that will host matches and fan events for the 2026 FIFA World Cup across the nation.
As per FAA regulations, all aircraft, drones included, are prohibited within a 3 nautical mile radius and 3,000 feet above the ground around selected stadiums on game days, unless given clearance by air traffic control. Those who infringe upon this airspace may face fines up to $100,000, lose their aircraft, and face federal charges.
