Texas will soon welcome millions of visitors for the FIFA World Cup 2026, and the Department of Public Safety is preparing with millions in new funding focused on one potential threat: drones.

Texas DPS secured approximately $3.2 million for technology designed to detect and mitigate unauthorized or potentially dangerous drone activity, according to a recent news release. The funding was awarded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

DPS said the technology will allow the department’s Aircraft Operations division to protect large crowds, critical infrastructure and restricted airspace surrounding major venues in both Dallas and Houston. DPS said the step is a proactive one amid growing use of drones and associated evolving risks.

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“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,” DPS Colonel Freeman F. Martin said in the release. “DPS is fully committed to using every available resource-including advanced drone mitigation technology-to safeguard Texans, secure key venues and infrastructure.”

Officials have taken a “no-nonsense” preparing for the large-scale event.

“Let me be very clear, we will not hesitate to act against threats that put public safety at risk,” Martin said.

The drone mitigation system will be capable of stationary and mobile deployment and utilizes advanced detection methods, like radio-frequency monitoring. It also will allow the department to track a wide range of drones in real time and disrupt or take control over those that may pose a public safety risk.

DPS’ Chief Pilot of Aircraft Operations Stacy Holland referred to the technology as “critical” to protect Texans.

“We strongly encourage all drone operators to follow FAA regulations, properly register their aircraft and understand flight restrictions before taking to the skies,” Holland said.

DPS Operators will also complete Unmanned Aerial System training conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, focused on lawful drone mitigation and coordinated response efforts during high-profile events.

The announcement comes as drone technology becomes more common, locally, statewide and nationally. A December 2025 report found that the Lone Star State’s drone fleet, operated by DPS, rivals that of the U.S. Border Patrol.

DPS says the $3.2 million drone mitigation efforts ahead of the World Cup are an extension of recent federal action expanding counter-drone authority, implemented by the FY 2026 National Defense Authorization Act.

This article originally published at Texas targets drone risks with $3.2M ahead of World Cup.