FBI seizes – The FBI in Los Angeles seized drones and cited pilots near SoFi Stadium during Friday’s World Cup game, saying the actions allegedly violated temporary FAA flight restrictions around the venue. The agency shared photos of confiscated drones and one pilot citat
The drones weren’t just hovering in the background of a World Cup crowd at SoFi Stadium — federal authorities say they were close enough to cross a tightly drawn line.
The FBI in Los Angeles said it seized drones and cited pilots for allegedly violating the Federal Aviation Administration’s temporary flight restrictions during Friday’s World Cup game at the stadium. The agency posted on Saturday photos of the seized drones and an image of a drone pilot receiving a citation. but it did not say how many pilots were cited or how many drones were seized. The FBI also did not disclose what technology was used to identify and track down the drone pilots.
Those restrictions are specific. The FAA bans all aircraft operations, including drone flights, within a 3-nautical-mile radius and up to 3,000 feet above ground level around certain stadiums hosting World Cup matches.
The federal action near SoFi comes amid a broader crackdown tied to World Cup security. Law enforcement agencies across multiple states have been taking steps against drone pilots who violate the temporary FAA restrictions during World Cup soccer games. On Thursday. the FBI office in Atlanta said it seized drones from three operators for allegedly violating the same kind of rules.
In May. the FAA warned drone operators that they could face the seizure of their drones as well as federal criminal charges and fines up to $100. 000 if they violate restricted airspace. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said the agency is using every available tool to protect airspace. including stronger enforcement. as fans gather at stadiums and fan events across the country.
SoFi Stadium in Inglewood is hosting eight World Cup matches in June and July, including the game on Friday in which the United States beat Paraguay 4-1.
The restrictions are not limited to stadiums alone. The FAA also imposed temporary flight restrictions at certain World Cup fan events, prohibiting drone operations within a 1-nautical-mile radius and up to 1,000 feet above ground level at venues that include the LA Memorial Coliseum in June.
Other stadiums are in the mix, too. Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, is hosting matches, and temporary flight restrictions apply there as well. The FAA says several venues across the United States — including locations in Washington. New Jersey. Texas and other states — are hosting World Cup games this summer.
As those restrictions were being enforced, the FBI’s Los Angeles office also coordinated with federal officials about security coverage. Patrick Grandy. assistant director in charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles office. briefed officials about the agency’s “security footprint. ” including measures against unauthorized drone flights.
The FBI’s post offered only the immediate result — seized drones. citations. and photos — leaving unanswered questions about the scope of the enforcement near SoFi and how quickly pilots were identified. For drone operators. the message from federal agencies has been the same: in the restricted airspace drawn for World Cup matches. the rules are not optional.
FBI drones SoFi Stadium World Cup FAA temporary flight restrictions Inglewood U.S. Paraguay 4-1 drone enforcement