FBI agents apprehend individuals near a police vehicle on a street in Atlanta during a law enforcement operation.

FBI agents apprehend individuals near a police vehicle on a street in Atlanta during a law enforcement operation.
Credit: FBI – Atlanta

Federal authorities have arrested an illegal alien after he allegedly flew a drone in restricted airspace near FIFA World Cup festivities in downtown Atlanta.

Lorenzo Rojas-Martinez, a 37-year-old illegal alien from Mexico with a prior conviction for cocaine distribution, faces federal charges for flying a drone in a temporary flight-restricted zone and for illegal reentry after two prior deportations.

Federal agents with the FBI Atlanta Counter UAV Task Force spotted him on June 12 operating the unauthorized drone in restricted airspace directly over the FIFA World Cup festivities in downtown Atlanta.

The arrest comes as federal law enforcement agencies intensify efforts to secure World Cup venues and surrounding fan zones from potential threats. FBI Director Kash Patel has repeatedly warned that drones represent one of the most significant security challenges facing the tournament.

FBI Director Kash Patel did not mince words:

“FBI arrested an illegal alien flying a drone in restricted airspace near @FIFAWorldCup Fan Fest — well done @FBIAtlanta. 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.”

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. Ground Intercept Teams are continuing aggressive enforcement.

“FBI Atlanta’s Counter UAV Task Force has seized 21 drones, including Rojas-Martinez’s,” said Marlo Graham, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “As these operators are putting the community at risk, our Ground Intercept Teams will continue to locate operators, seize drones, and pursue prosecution of those who violate the restricted airspace in place around FIFA World Cup activities.”

The post Illegal Alien Felon with Prior Cocaine Conviction and Two Deportations Arrested Flying Drone in Restricted Airspace Over Atlanta FIFA World Cup Fan Fest appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.