Federal authorities have taken action against drone operators who violated temporary flight restrictions during World Cup events held at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. On Friday, following a match in which the United States defeated Paraguay 4-1, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) seized drones and cited pilots for allegedly breaching flight regulations designed to protect the airspace around the venue.

The FAA prohibits all aircraft operations, including drone flights, within a three-nautical-mile radius and up to 3,000 feet above ground level around stadiums hosting World Cup matches. These restrictions are intended to enhance security and safety amid large gatherings. According to a social media post by the FBI’s Los Angeles office on Saturday, several drone pilots were cited for violating these rules, and some drones were confiscated. However, the agency did not specify the exact number of citations issued or drones seized, nor did it disclose the technology used to identify the unauthorized flights.

Law enforcement across multiple states has been enforcing similar rules at various match locations. The FBI office in Atlanta reported seizing drones from three operators earlier in the week for violating the FAA’s temporary flight restrictions. The FAA had issued preemptive warnings cautioning drone operators that violations could result in drone confiscation, federal criminal charges, and fines of up to $100,000.

FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford emphasized the agency’s heightened enforcement efforts in a May statement, saying, “As fans from around the world gather at stadiums and fan events across the country for the FIFA World Cup, the FAA is using every available tool to protect the airspace, including stronger drone-enforcement efforts.” Bedford added that drone operators should anticipate swift action if they operate in restricted airspace.

SoFi Stadium is hosting eight World Cup matches throughout June and July. Temporary flight restrictions are also in place at other venues across the United States, including stadiums in Washington, New Jersey, Texas, and California’s Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. Additionally, the FAA has imposed drone prohibitions at specific fan events, such as those held at the L.A. Memorial Coliseum, where drone flights are banned within a one-nautical-mile radius and up to 1,000 feet above ground level.

Patrick Grandy, assistant director in charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles office, briefed federal officials on the agency’s security presence and counter-drone measures being implemented to safeguard the events. These coordinated efforts underscore the increased focus on controlling unauthorized drone activity during the international soccer tournament.