U.S. agencies seize more than 600 drones near World Cup venues

U.S. federal agencies have confiscated over 600 consumer drones operating in restricted airspace around FIFA World Cup stadiums and fan zones since the tournament began on June 11. The Transportation Security Administration said temporary flight restrictions prohibit all aircraft, including drones, within a three‑nautical‑mile radius and up to 3,000 feet altitude around the venues unless authorized by air‑traffic controllers. The FBI reported the drones were seized in all 11 host cities, with 130 taken in Miami and more than 70 in Dallas, as well as 32 in Kansas City. Operators who violate the restrictions face fines up to $100,000, criminal charges and seizure of the equipment. The FBI has deployed specialized teams to detect and disable unauthorized drones, and the FAA has enforced the no‑fly zones for both matches and surrounding fan gatherings. A Mexican national was recently charged for flying a drone near Dallas Stadium, illustrating the broader law‑enforcement effort during the event.