FBI seized more than 600 drones near World Cup events

SoccerFBI seized more than 600 drones near World Cup eventsThe number of drones seized nationwide has doubled in less than two weeks.Listen to this article with a free profile00:0000:00Most of the drones law enforcement detects have resulted in ticketed citations and seizures.Steph Chambers / Getty Images fileShareAdd NBC News to GoogleJuly 4, 2026, 10:08 PM EDTBy Kelly O'Donnell and Michael KosnarThe FBI says it has seized more than 600 drones near FIFA World Cup sites after authorities determined the devices violated restricted airspace since the tournament began on June 11. The total number of seized drones nationwide has doubled in less than two weeks.Limited time: Save 25% on NBC News subscriptionGet exclusive reporting, live Q&As and ad-free reading.The FBI, along with accredited operators from local and state law enforcement around the country, is monitoring drone activity near World Cup competitions and related fan fest events.The Federal Aviation Administration regulates the airspace, and drone owners are responsible for knowing and abiding by those restrictions. Most of the violations have resulted in ticketed citations and seizures.As NBC has previously reported, the FBI is leading the counter-drone efforts in conjunction with federal, state and local partners.Law enforcement officials responding to reports of an unauthorized drone outside Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, Calif. last month.Caroline Brehman / Bloomberg via Getty ImagesIn Kansas City, there have been 32 drone seizures outside World Cup events so far.“Not only is flying drones in TFR zones illegal, it’s dangerous. My office is committed to keeping our community and visitors safe by keeping our skies drone-free,” said U.S. Attorney R. Matthew Price. “If you see a drone breaking the rules, report it. If you are flying an illegal drone, think twice because violators will be held accountable by the Department of Justice.”In another case in Dallas from mid-June, a Honduran national was...