Federal authorities have stopped dozens of drones flying near World Cup venues in the tournament’s first week, according to new figures from the Department of Homeland Security.
DHS released statistics on Wednesday, June 17, showing 145 incursions into restricted airspace around eight U.S. venues between June 11 and June 16.
Officials mitigated 55 drones and seized 39 during that period. The data covers Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Seattle, Boston, San Francisco and Philadelphia.
It does not include Los Angeles, Miami or New Jersey, where other drone activity has been reported.
Atlanta Records the Highest Number of Violations
Atlanta saw the highest number of incidents, with 36 incursions, 20 mitigations and 11 seizures. Counter-drone teams from Customs and Border Protection, the Federal Protective Service and the Coast Guard worked with local law enforcement to handle the flights.
A DHS spokesperson said the teams “have been hard at work” supporting security at the venues.
It was not clear whether any of the drones carried disruptive devices or explosives. Officials did not immediately respond to follow-up questions.
The numbers come as the FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, ramps up with matches across multiple cities.
Why Drones Have Become a Major World Cup Security Concern
Drones have become a top security concern because of their ability to carry payloads, conduct surveillance or disrupt events from the air.
Federal agencies set up temporary flight restrictions and no-drone zones around stadiums, fan fests and team hotels.
FBI Director Kash Patel highlighted enforcement actions on Wednesday and noted the arrest of an unauthorized immigrant operating a drone outside a fan fest in Atlanta. The man faced charges related to the flight and his immigration status.
Patel also referenced a separate case in which the FBI thwarted a plot involving explosive-laden drones targeting a UFC event at the White House.
Security preparations for the World Cup included significant spending on counter-drone technology. FEMA awarded $250 million to the 11 U.S. host states and the National Capital Region.
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DHS added more funding for detection, tracking, and mitigation systems. Contracts went to companies that provide tools such as net-firing drones designed to intercept threats.
At a congressional hearing before the tournament, DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin acknowledged that the country is still building its counter-drone capabilities.
“We have spent a tremendous amount of ability and money to be able to be very offensive with drones, but on the counter-drone measures, everybody’s a little behind,” he said.
He noted that all 11 venues have equipment in place, but officials continue to improve their response.
How Federal Agencies Are Countering Drone Threats
Local and federal agencies have trained officers and deployed specialized teams.
The FBI has conducted counter-drone programs and emphasized strict enforcement of flight restrictions.
Violators of the restrictions could face federal charges, fines up to $100,000 and confiscation of their drones.
So far, officials say the games have continued without major disruptions from the reported drone activity.
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Most incidents appear to be tied to people ignoring the rules rather than to coordinated threats.
Still, the volume of incursions in just the first few days has shown how common unauthorized flights are near large events.
Authorities stated that fans and visitors should leave drones at home when heading to match venues. Temporary flight restrictions cover wide areas around venues on match days.
Public service announcements and signs are in place to remind people that flying in these zones is illegal and dangerous.
The World Cup represents one of the largest security operations in recent U.S. history, involving hundreds of law enforcement agencies.
Drone defense is seen as a key piece alongside ground security, background checks, and cyber protections.
