Federal authorities have charged a second individual with 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. He is currently being held without bond while awaiting trial.
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. The charge stems from an incident on the evening of June 27, when an FBI agent monitoring the area observed a drone entering the restricted zone. At the time, the stadium was preparing for the final group stage match between Argentina and Jordan.
The Federal Aviation Administration had established a three-hour closure of the airspace above the venue, which is also known as AT&T Stadium, for every World Cup match. Investigators located Alvarez at a residence in Arlington and subsequently tracked him down. Prosecutors state that Alvarez admitted to owning the device, flying it near the stadium, and lacking the necessary Federal Aviation Administration licenses to do so.
U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould emphasized the legal obligations of drone operators during the tournament. In a statement, Raybould noted that individuals must understand the law and recognize that flying over the stadium or Fan Fest areas is prohibited. He warned that those who ignore these restrictions should anticipate federal prosecution.
FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock added that agents and their partners are actively identifying operators who violate Temporary Flight Restrictions. Rothrock stated that the primary objective is to ensure the safety of all participants and attendees at the FIFA World Cup 2026 events.
