ARLINGTON, Texas — A Honduran national has been charged in federal court after authorities say he flew an unregistered drone into restricted airspace surrounding AT&T Stadium during a FIFA World Cup event.
U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould announced that 33-year-old Luis Mauricio Flores Ordonez was charged by criminal complaint on June 15, 2026, with owning an unregistered aircraft that was operated in violation of federal law.
Flores Ordonez made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeffrey L. Cureton, who ordered that he remain detained pending further proceedings.
According to the complaint, Flores Ordonez allegedly operated an unregistered DJI Mini 3 Pro drone within the temporary flight restriction zone surrounding AT&T Stadium, also referred to in court documents as Dallas Stadium, while a FIFA World Cup match was taking place.
Federal authorities said the drone operation was detected as part of the FBI's counter-drone surveillance efforts during the World Cup event.
To legally operate a drone in the restricted airspace, operators must meet several federal requirements, including Federal Aviation Administration registration and proper pilot certification or authorization.
Raybould warned that federal authorities will continue aggressively enforcing no-fly restrictions around major World Cup venues.
"I've said it before and I'll say it again, if you operate a drone over restricted airspace, including over Dallas Stadium or Fan Fest, you can expect a federal indictment to come your way," Raybould said in a statement.
The FBI noted that a temporary no-fly zone remains in effect for three hours before and three hours after each FIFA World Cup match at the stadium.
According to investigators, more than 20 drones have already been seized during the first two World Cup matches held in Arlington.
FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock urged drone operators to verify airspace restrictions before flying.
"It is the drone operator's responsibility to understand where Temporary Flight Restrictions exist," Rothrock said.
If convicted, Flores Ordonez faces up to three years in federal prison.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI Dallas Field Division, Federal Air Marshal Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Arlington Police Department, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric B. Chen is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is an allegation, and Flores Ordonez is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
