safety
Drone seizures and arrests for flying too close to World Cup events: Here’s where to operate legally
By CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7
· July 2, 2026
· 7 min read
By Alexandra Skores, CNN
Washington, DC (CNN) — A 26-year-old Texas man trying to capture video footage of a church in Houston is facing charges for illegally operating a drone too close to a World Cup event as authorities across the country crack down on unauthorized flights.
John Alexander ...
Key takeaway John Alexander Meza of La Porte, Texas, allegedly flew a DJI Mavic 3 in restricted airspace in Houston on June 11, the opening day of the FIFA tournament.
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Category: safety ·
Published: July 2, 2026 ·
Source: KVIA ABC-7 ·
Reading time: 7 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? By Alexandra Skores, CNN
Washington, DC (CNN) — A 26-year-old Texas man trying to capture video footage of a church in Houston is facing charges for illegally operating a drone too close to a World Cup event as authorities across the country crack down on unauthorized flights.
John Alexander ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 2, 2026 by KVIA ABC-7 and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7. To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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