As the World Cup unfolds in Los Angeles and other U.S. cities, the FBI is working around the clock to counter unauthorized drone flights that pose security risks to stadiums and fan zones.
Special Agent James Peaco, who coordinates counter-drone efforts for the FBI's Los Angeles office, reported that at least 28 drones have been intercepted near SoFi Stadium and the L.A. Coliseum in the first week alone.
The bureau has issued multiple federal citations to hobbyist pilots who inadvertently violated restricted airspace, though authorities emphasize that no malicious intent has been detected yet.
The counter-drone operations involve a combination of radio frequency scanners, radar, acoustic sensors, and optical devices to detect and track drones. In some cases, FBI agents use technology that allows them to take control of a drone and land it safely.
Peaco noted that the drone threat is real and requires rapid assessment to determine whether an aircraft is a danger. Ground teams from the FBI and local law enforcement often locate the drone operators and issue citations, surprising many pilots who are unaware of the strict no-fly zones around World Cup venues.
A separate but related incident has heightened concerns about drone-enabled attacks. Over the weekend, federal authorities arrested five individuals, including two California men, in connection with an alleged plot to use drones to drop explosives on the White House during a UFC event.
The suspects, motivated by antigovernment ideology, allegedly planned to cause chaos and target specific officials. The plot was foiled after a suspect's mother reported suspicious behavior to law enforcement.
The two California men, Michael Alan Thomas and Bryan Omar Roa, face charges of conspiracy to commit murder.
The FBI continues to monitor airspace around all 78 World Cup games, with command centers in Los Angeles and other host cities. The bureau has the authority to intercept and neutralize drones that pose a threat, using a range of tools from jammers to net-firing drones.
While most incidents so far involve hobbyists, the potential for more serious threats remains a top concern for federal agencies coordinating security for the international event.