United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, Ryan Raybould, announced on July 23 the implementation of a strengthened airspace security strategy and operational plan during the FIFA World Cup 2026 in North Texas. The initiative involved collaboration with multiple federal, state, and local agencies including the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Secret Service, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and Texas Department of Public Safety.
The FAA established Temporary Flight Restrictions over key locations such as AT&T Stadium and Fair Park to secure the airspace before and after each match as well as throughout daily Fan Festival activities. Law enforcement deployed counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems teams equipped to detect and intercept unauthorized drones. During these operations at Dallas Stadium and Fair Park, authorities seized a total of 94 drones—65 at Dallas Stadium and 29 at Fair Park—resulting in various enforcement actions including fines and federal charges against some operators.
Among those charged were Luis Mauricio Flores Ordonez for flying a drone near Dallas Stadium on June 14; Cristobal Torres Alvarez for operating a drone without an airman’s certificate on June 27; and Servando Piedra Munoz for similar conduct during the July 14 semi-final match. Ongoing investigations continue regarding other drone incursions.
A Joint Operations Center operated around-the-clock to facilitate real-time intelligence sharing among agencies. The Texas Department of Public Safety used a $3.2 million FEMA grant to deploy advanced detection systems with personnel trained by the FBI. A public service campaign was also launched urging drone operators to register their devices properly, obtain necessary certifications or certificates from the FAA’s B4UFLY tool system, check flight restrictions regularly, and report suspicious activity.
Raybould said, “What we learned is that robust planning, advanced technology, and interagency unity can effectively neutralize airborne threats. Drones are here to stay—and so must our vigilance. As we look to future major events, we will sharpen these systems and partnerships to uphold safety in our skies. We also showed the world that more major sporting events – like the Women’s World Cup – belong in North Texas!”
FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock said, “Over the past 5 weeks, the FBI helped to secure one of the largest sporting events in our country’s history… These efforts culminated in the seizure of over 90 drones… The success and safety of the tournament would not have been possible without these partnerships.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas covers approximately eight million residents across a region spanning about 96,000 square miles; it employs around 100 assistant attorneys plus support staff across several offices including its main facility at Earle Cabell Federal Building in Dallas, according to its official website. The office is part of the U.S Department of Justice with responsibilities that include prosecuting federal crimes as well as managing civil litigation for government entities while promoting community trust through outreach initiatives.