Twice-deported man accused of flying drone over World Cup event in Atlanta

A Mexican man has been charged with flying a drone in restricted airspace over the FIFA Fan Festival in Atlanta and illegally reentering the United States after two prior deportations, according to federal prosecutors.

Lorenzo Rojas-Martinez, 37, was charged Monday in a federal complaint with operating a drone in a temporary flight restricted zone and illegal reentry by a removed alien, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia.

The incident happened June 12 near Centennial Olympic Park, where Atlanta is hosting FIFA Fan Festival events during the World Cup. Federal agents said they saw Rojas-Martinez operating a drone in restricted airspace while standing in a nearby parking area and recording video of the event.

After asking for his identification and reviewing his driver’s license, agents determined that Rojas-Martinez was unlawfully in the United States after being removed twice before, according to the complaint.

Prosecutors said Rojas-Martinez, who is from Mexico, also has a prior conviction for cocaine distribution, among other charges.

“Unauthorized drone operations in restricted airspace present a serious risk to public safety, particularly during major international events such as the FIFA World Cup,” U.S. Attorney Theodore Hertzberg said in a statement.

The FBI said its Atlanta Counter UAV Task Force has seized 21 drones during World Cup activities, including the drone allegedly operated by Rojas-Martinez.

The case is being investigated by the FBI and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).