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A Honduran national, Luis Mauricio Flores Ordonez, 33, was charged with piloting an unregistered drone in protected airspace near Dallas Stadium before a FIFA World Cup match on June 15, 2026. The incident occurred while a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) was in effect, and Flores Ordonez allegedly flew his DJI Mini 3 PRO drone without proper registration or licensing. The drone operation was intercepted as part of the FBI’s drone counter-surveillance effort. Flores Ordonez was detained pending further proceedings after making his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeffrey L. Cureton.
The charge against Flores Ordonez is a serious one, with U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould warning that operating a drone over restricted airspace can result in a federal indictment. The FAA requires drone operators to register their drones and obtain proper licensing before flying in restricted areas. Flores Ordonez allegedly failed to meet these requirements, putting the safety of fans and citizens at risk.
The FBI and other law enforcement agencies are urging drone operators to check for active flight restrictions using an FAA-approved B4UFLY service provider before flying. This incident highlights the importance of drone safety and the need for operators to follow federal regulations. The case against Flores Ordonez is ongoing, with further proceedings expected in the coming weeks.
The U.S. Attorney’s office and the FBI are working together to protect the public from potentially dangerous drones. With the FIFA World Cup bringing large crowds to the Dallas area, law enforcement is on high alert for any potential threats. The charge against Flores Ordonez serves as a reminder that operating a drone in restricted airspace can have serious consequences.
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