Eight Drones Seized and Two Violation Notices Issued During June 16 FIFA World Cup Events

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Federal Air Marshal Service (FAMS), FBI-Kansas City, and Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (CUAS) joint operation intercepted eight drones yesterday during FIFA World Cup 2026 events at Kansas City Stadium and FIFA Fan Festival for violations of temporary flight restrictions (TFRs). All eight drones and controllers were seized by the FBI. Two drone operators were issued misdemeanor violation notices by FAMS. The counter-drone operation also resulted in the apprehension of a female wanted on six outstanding arrest warrants.

Since June 11, the CUAS joint operation has detected 19 drones operating in TFR zones around Kansas City stadium, Fan Festival, and other event locations. These detections have resulted in 18 contacts by law enforcement with drone operators, 14 drone seizures, and 5 federal criminal citations.

"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."

Checking for TFRs before every drone flight is required by federal law. A list of approved providers offering free airspace awareness tools for desktop and mobile devices is available at faa.gov/uas/getting_started/b4ufly. Violations of these TFRs can result in civil fines up to $75,000, criminal fines up to $100,000, up to a year in prison, and seizure of the drone.

If you spot unsafe drone activity, report it immediately by calling 9-1-1 or 1-800-CALL-FBI.