Federal authorities have arrested a second individual for illegally operating a drone in the restricted airspace surrounding Dallas Stadium during the FIFA World Cup. Cristobal Torres Alvarez, a 40-year-old Mexican national, was taken into custody in Arlington on June 27, according to a federal criminal complaint released by the U.S. Attorney's Office in Dallas.
Alvarez is charged with one count of operating as an airman without a valid certificate. If convicted, he faces a maximum prison sentence of three years. He remains in custody while awaiting his trial. This incident marks the second time a man has faced federal charges for drone violations at the venue, which is also known as AT&T Stadium. Dallas is located approximately 18 miles south of Plano.
The Federal Aviation Administration established a temporary flight restriction that closed the airspace above the stadium for three hours before and after each World Cup match. On the evening of June 27, an FBI agent monitoring the area observed a drone entering the restricted zone around 6:30 p.m. Argentina was scheduled to play Jordan in their final group stage match later that night.
Investigators tracked the operator to a residence in Arlington. Prosecutors state that Alvarez admitted to owning the device, flying it near the stadium, and lacking the necessary FAA licenses. U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould emphasized that operators have a responsibility to understand aviation laws and warned that disregarding flight restrictions would result in federal prosecution.
FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock stated that agents and their partners would continue to identify and pursue drone operators who violate temporary flight restrictions. The agency noted that the primary objective is ensuring the safety of all participants and attendees during the FIFA World Cup 2026 events.
