ATLANTA — Federal agents have charged a man with violating federal law by flying a drone near Centennial Olympic Park during the 2026 FIFA Fan Festival Friday.
Lorenzo Rojas-Martinez, 37, of Mexico, was charged Monday with operating a drone in a temporary flight restricted zone, according to U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg.
Rojas-Martinez also was charged with illegal reentry by a removed alien, Hertzberg, the federal prosecutor for the Northern District of Georgia, said in a statement.
Hertzberg said the agents allegedly observed Rojas-Martinez operating the drone from a parking lot and recording video of the event.
He said the agents allegedly confirmed Rojas-Martinez had a prior conviction for cocaine distribution and was in the United States unlawfully after two prior deportations.
“Unauthorized drone operations in restricted airspace present a serious risk to public safety, particularly during major international events such as the FIFA World Cup,” Hertzberg said.