The Transportation Security Administration said that as of Tuesday, law enforcement had seized over 300 drones illegally flying around World Cup sites.
“TSA Federal Air Marshals, working with state and federal partners, have seized over 300 drones during @FIFAWorldCup events thus far,” the TSA said on X.
Flying drones in restricted airspace, the TSA said in its post, is a federal crime. Drone pilots violating the law could have their drones confiscated, with prison time and a fine of up to $100,000.
Stadiums and fan zones in the World Cup host markets of Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle and Kansas City, Missouri, are designated as restricted areas.
FBI officials said on social media that:
- 26 drones were seized at World Cup events in the New York City area as of Monday.
- 52 drone operators were ticketed and 57 drones seized at World Cup events in the Miami area as of Tuesday.
- 50 drones were seized in the Dallas area as of Tuesday.
- 16 drones were seized in the Kansas City area as of Thursday.
- 11 drones were seized in Seattle on Friday and five on June 15.
- 42 drones were seized in Atlanta as of Sunday.
An additional 34 drones have been captured in Los Angeles since the start of the soccer tournament, according to Front Office Sports.
On days when games are being played, aircraft operations are forbidden within a 3 nautical mile radius and up to 3,000 feet above ground level around the stadiums unless allowed by air traffic controllers.
For fan-gathering areas, drones are restricted within a 1-nautical-mile radius and up to 1,000 feet above ground level, according to Reuters.
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