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.
Why this matters in The El Paso
For El Paso residents planning to attend World Cup events or operate drones in the area, the recent crackdown on unauthorized flights serves as a crucial reminder to familiarize themselves with restricted airspace and federal regulations. The Federal Aviation Administration's designation of "no drone zones" around stadiums and official fan events is particularly relevant, given the city's own experience with large-scale events and public gatherings. As the FBI continues to seize drones and arrest operators who violate these restrictions, local drone enthusiasts and event attendees must take heed of the warnings and respect the boundaries in place to ensure public safety and security. By doing so, they can avoid the consequences faced by individuals like John Alexander Meza, who allegedly flew a drone too close to a World Cup event in Houston, and instead enjoy the festivities while operating within the law.
About this story
Original reporting by KVIA ABC-7 . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KVIA ABC-7 . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
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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