FBI warns drone operators to stay away from World Cup matches

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Security for the FIFA World Cup is expanding skyward, with law enforcement agencies preparing for drone activity that could range from a nuisance to a serious threat as the United States hosts the tournament starting next week.

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More than 60 local, county and state law enforcement agencies in places where the games will be held recently completed a first-of-its-kind federal training program to help detect and deter the unauthorized presence of drones near World Cup sites and related fan events. The FBI plans to train additional classes even beyond the games.

NBC News got a unique look at the program at the FBI training facility at the Redstone Arsenal.

Drones pose a unique challenge for law enforcement because the technology evolves fast, they’re readily available and they can carry a harmless payload like a camera — or a dangerous substance. The Federal Aviation Administration sets and publicizes flight restrictions around high-profile events and limits drone use within a specific radius. Drone operators who violate the restricted space face criminal penalties.

“The airspace has gotten very busy,” said Mike Torphy, the FBI agent who leads the certification training. The program is intended first to teach “judgment,” and then to determine what may be a threat before taking action, which could include commandeering electronic control of an unlawful drone.

“We have a variety of technical methods available to us. Taking over is one option. We also have the option to confuse the drone, make it go elsewhere but we’re not limited in the law to the type of technology that we can use to mitigate the drone,” he said.

FIFA is staging its largest-ever World Cup in North America, with 48 soccer teams playing in 16 cities across the U.S., Canada and Mexico. The tournament runs from June 11 through July 19; the opener is in Mexico City, and the final is July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey . Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to attend the games and host watch parties.

While the FBI says it is constantly assessing security risks, it has identified no credible or specific threats against the tournament, co-Deputy Director Christopher Raia told NBC News. But federal law enforcement does expect security issues to emerge, he said.

“I think there will be some kind of security event,” he said. “I think what you have to understand is security events range from a fan who may have had too much to drink starting an altercation all the way up to a major terrorist attack.”

But Raia said fans and spectators should feel safe heading to the games. “This is an all-hands-on-deck for us in order to keep our Americans safe,” he said.

The FBI said it has cameras, radars, listening devices in its anti-drone arsenal that can allow law enforcement to electronically take control of an unlawful drone and direct it to a safer area. Unlawful drones can also be forced from the sky if circumstances warrant.

The FBI said it also respects the rights of drone owners and does not intend to impede them in areas where no restrictions are in place, but it can be hard to distinguish an enthusiast from someone with an intent to cause harm.

In training exercises, the FBI used its own drones to demonstrate how it can track a drone and alert the suspected pilot. A loud warning blared overhead: “This is the FBI! You have violated a no-fly zone. Land your drone immediately and await contact by law enforcement. Do it now. Attention! Attention! Please exit the area immediately. I repeat, please exit the area immediately.”

Raia said the FBI has a message for drone enthusiasts who may be tempted to use their aircraft to explore or take photos at or near World Cup events: “With all the capability we have now, we will find you and it will be a very uncomfortable day for you.”

“You could potentially go to jail and so my advice to them, plain and simple: Don’t do it.”

Raia said that law enforcement is well prepared for the event, which planners have compared to running dozens of Super Bowls at once.