Federal authorities have seized 23 drones that entered restricted airspace near the Boston Stadium in Foxborough and surrounding World Cup fan events since June 11, as part of heightened security measures during the tournament. The FBI emphasized that all unauthorized drone activity is being treated as a potential security threat.

Across the United States, more than 300 unauthorized drones have been intercepted near World Cup venues since the event began, according to FBI officials. Foxborough, which is hosting seven World Cup matches—including four already played—is a focal point of these efforts. The next scheduled match there is set for Friday at 3 p.m., featuring Norway and France, with a knockout round game on June 29 and a quarterfinal on July 9.

Kristen Setera, spokesperson for the FBI’s Boston office, described the airspace security operation as the most comprehensive drone mitigation effort in U.S. history. She reiterated that World Cup venues and associated fan festivals are designated as No Drone Zones and urged individuals to refrain from flying drones near these locations.

Officials declined to provide specific details about the drone operators, precise seizure circumstances, or whether any arrests or criminal charges have resulted from the incidents. Setera noted that each seizure is reviewed on a case-by-case basis, with decisions on prosecution or civil penalties made by the U.S. Attorney’s office.

Protecting airspace over World Cup sites has involved extensive coordination among federal, state, local, and international agencies. Authorities have deployed advanced drone detection and response technology and implemented strict temporary flight restrictions around stadiums, fan festivals, and team training camps nationally.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) established these temporary flight restrictions beginning June 1, which will remain in effect through July 21, two days after the tournament concludes. Under FAA rules, commercial drone operators may only fly within these restricted areas with prior approval, while certain government and emergency operations are exempt.

Federal agencies, including the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, and Department of Justice, possess authority to seize, damage, or destroy drones considered credible safety or security threats. Recreational drone users are advised to verify airspace restrictions through the FAA’s B4UFLY service. Authorities are also encouraging the public to report any unsafe drone activity by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI.