Key facts
- DHS documented 145 drone incursions into restricted airspace across eight World Cup venues between June 11 and June 16.
- Authorities thwarted or mitigated 55 drones and seized 39.
- Atlanta had the highest number of incidents with 36 incursions.
- An unauthorized immigrant was arrested for operating a drone near an Atlanta fan fest.
- DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin acknowledged the need to advance counter-drone measures.
U.S. authorities reported a significant number of drone incursions across eight World Cup venues in the initial days of the tournament, successfully thwarting or mitigating dozens of unauthorized flights. Between June 11 and June 16, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) documented 145 "incursions" into restricted airspace, leading to the mitigation of 55 drones and the seizure of 39.
Atlanta emerged as the venue with the highest number of incidents, recording 36 incursions, with authorities there mitigating 20 drones and seizing 11. These efforts involved multiple agencies, including Customs and Border Protection, the Federal Protective Service, and the Coast Guard.
In a separate but related incident, FBI Director Kash Patel stated that the agency had arrested an unauthorized immigrant operating a drone outside a fan fest in Atlanta. Patel also mentioned a previous thwarted attack on a UFC event at the White House involving explosive-laden drones.
DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin acknowledged at a recent congressional hearing that while offensive drone capabilities have advanced, counter-drone measures are still developing. He indicated that DHS is actively working to enhance its ability to handle such incursions.