The Brief A Honduran national faces up to three years in federal prison for illegally flying an unregistered drone over Dallas Stadium during a World Cup match. The arrest was made via FBI counter-drone surveillance as authorities have already seized more than 20 unauthorized drones during the tournament's first two North Texas matches. Law enforcement warns that strict federal no-fly zones are actively enforced at all World Cup venues starting three hours before kickoff until three hours after matches conclude.



A Honduran national has been charged with illegally operating an unregistered drone in restricted airspace near Dallas Stadium during the FIFA World Cup.

Federal charges filed for illegal drone flight over Dallas Stadium

(Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

What we know:

Federal prosecutors announced that 33-year-old Luis Mauricio Flores Ordonez, was charged on June 15 with owning an unregistered aircraft that was operating, or attempting to operate in a restricted airspace.

According to the complaint, Flores Ordonez allegedly flew a DJI Mini 3 Pro drone in restricted airspace around Dallas Stadium while a temporary flight restriction was in effect for a FIFA World Cup match.

FBI counter-drone surveillance targets tournament airspace violations

FILE-A member of the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) poses for an illustrative photo during a press conference. (Sebastian Barros/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

What they're saying:

Federal authorities said drone operators must meet several requirements to legally fly within restricted airspace, including registering the aircraft with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and obtaining appropriate certifications or waivers. More than 20 drones have been seized during the first two FIFA World Cup matches in North Texas.

According to the FBI, the alleged flight was detected as part of its counter-drone surveillance operations conducted during World Cup events at Dallas Stadium in Arlington.

U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould said in a statement that federal authorities would continue aggressively enfo

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