Illegal Alien Felon Arrested for Flying Drone in World Cup Restricted Airspace after Prior Deportations

ATLANTA - Lorenzo Rojas-Martinez, an illegal alien from Mexico with a prior cocaine distribution conviction, faces federal charges for flying a drone over Centennial Olympic Park during the FIFA Fan Festival in Atlanta and for illegally reentering the United States after two prior deportations.

"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."

"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."

According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg and the criminal complaint: on June 12, 2026, federal agents allegedly observed Lorenzo Rojas-Martinez operating a drone in restricted airspace near Centennial Olympic Park during the 2026 FIFA Fan Festival in Atlanta while standing in a nearby parking area and recording video of the event. After requesting his identification and reviewing his driver's license, agents allegedly confirmed that he was unlawfully present in the United States following two prior removals. Rojas-Martinez has a prior conviction for cocaine distribution among other charges.

Lorenzo Rojas-Martinez, 37, of Mexico was charged in a federal complaint on June 15, 2026, with operating a drone in a temporary flight restricted zone and illegal reentry by a removed alien. 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.

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Assistant United States Attorney Dash A. Cooper is prosecuting the case.

This prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney's Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6185. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.