ATLANTA - A 37-year-old illegal immigrant from Mexico with a prior cocaine distribution conviction was charged in federal court for flying a drone over Centennial Olympic Park during the FIFA Fan Festival and for illegally reentering the United States after two prior deportations, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia announced.
Lorenzo Rojas-Martinez was observed by federal agents operating the drone in restricted airspace near Centennial Olympic Park during the 2026 FIFA Fan Festival while standing in a nearby parking area and recording video of the event, according to the criminal complaint. After agents requested his identification and reviewed his driver’s license, they confirmed he was unlawfully present in the United States following two prior removals.
“Unauthorized drone operations in restricted airspace present a serious risk to public safety, particularly during major international events such as the FIFA World Cup,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “This enforcement action reflects the coordinated efforts of our federal and local partners to detect, disrupt, and deter unlawful activity that could endanger spectators, athletes, and first responders.”
The FBI’s Counter UAV Task Force has been aggressively intercepting unauthorized drones around World Cup venues. “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.”
Rojas-Martinez was charged in a federal complaint with operating a drone in a temporary flight restricted zone and illegal reentry by a removed alien, a federal felony under 8 U.S.C. § 1326. His prior criminal record includes a conviction for cocaine distribution. Assistant United States Attorney Dash A. Cooper is prosecuting the case.
The prosecution falls under Operation Take Back America, the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative targeting illegal immigration, cartels, transnational criminal organizations, and violent crime. The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Members of the public are reminded that the complaint contains only charges. The defendant is presumed innocent of the charges, and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.