Texas Border Business
U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Texas
HOUSTON – Federal criminal complaints have been filed against four Houston area residents since the beginning of the World Cup for flying drones into sensitive national defense airspace without authorization.
To ensure a safe environment for all players, attendees and staff, Federal Aviation Administration and law enforcement have officially designated all FIFA World Cup stadiums and surrounding event spaces, to include Houston’s Fan Zone, as strict “No Drone Zones.” This means that unauthorized drone flights are strictly prohibited in the designated airspace and surrounding grounds. During such major sporting events FAA implements temporary flight restrictions to limit air travel and secure the airspace. Taking off, landing or flying a drone within these restricted areas is a serious violation of federal and local regulations.
FBI, Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, Customs and Border Protection, Federal Air Marshal Service, Houston Police Department, Harris County Sheriff’s Office and Texas Department of Public Safety are conducting the joint investigations.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carolyn Ferko and Roldolfo Ramirez are prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
See a drone breaking the rules? Blow the whistle! Report it to 911, on-site law enforcement, or the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.
Updated June 26, 2026
