The Texas Department of Public Safety announced on May 6 that it has secured approximately $3.2 million in federal grant money to acquire new drone mitigation technology ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The funding is intended to enhance public safety and aviation security efforts during the international event, which is expected to bring millions of visitors to Texas. The technology will help detect and mitigate unauthorized or potentially dangerous drone activity around major venues in Dallas and Houston, the two Texas host cities for the tournament.
“Major international events like the FIFA World Cup bring millions of visitors to Texas and place incredible demands on public safety and critical infrastructure protection,” said DPS Colonel Freeman F. Martin. “DPS is fully committed to using every available resource — including advanced drone mitigation technology — to safeguard Texans, secure key venues and infrastructure. Let me be very clear, we will not hesitate to act against threats that put public safety at risk.”
DPS’ Chief Pilot of Aircraft Operations Stacy Holland said, “As drone activity continues to increase, having the ability to detect, track and mitigate unauthorized drones is critical to protecting large crowds and emergency operations. We strongly encourage all drone operators to follow FAA regulations, properly register their aircraft and understand flight restrictions before taking to the skies.”
According to the official website, the Texas Department of Public Safety manages facilities across the state—including its headquarters at Camp Mabry in Austin—employs more than 11,000 personnel operating over 5,000 vehicles, functions as a state-owned agency governed by the Public Safety Commission, shapes cultural heritage through entities such as the Texas Rangers featured in books and films, upholds a Ranger creed emphasizing justice enforcement, and protects residents throughout Texas.
The new system will be capable of both stationary and mobile deployment using advanced detection methods such as radio-frequency monitoring and federally mandated remote identification signals. It can identify unmanned aircraft systems in real time while providing mitigation capabilities designed for safe disruption or control of unauthorized drones under federal law.
To support these operations during high-profile events like the World Cup or future large-scale gatherings across Texas, DPS operators will undergo specialized counter-unmanned aircraft system training conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation focused on lawful use and coordinated response efforts.
Recent federal actions have expanded counter-drone authority for state law enforcement agencies by extending authority for detection/mitigation activities against aerial threats while establishing standards for equipment use during approved operations.
Together with FEMA grant funding provisions included in recent legislation such as the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), these measures provide DPS with legal authority and operational resources needed “to address emerging aerial threats and maintain secure environments for Texans and visitors alike.”
