"Julio Ibáñez, a renowned TUDN sideline reporter, faces an adverse legal situation. Since mid-March, 'El Profe'—as he is also known—was arrested in South Africa and subsequently released; this news reached Mexico and sparked a debate regarding the work of the Televisa broadcaster, as well as the support he received from authorities.
Although 'Profe' Ibáñez has regained his freedom—as has his cameraman—they are unable to leave the country and are awaiting a hearing that will determine their legal status before South African authorities.
[...]
Both individuals were detained by local authorities in Johannesburg on March 18, 2026—right in the middle of a live broadcast—after attempting to film the South African national team's training session with a drone in a restricted zone. Initially, it was believed that the detention stemmed from immigration irregularities; however, it was subsequently reported that authorities were investigating a suspected case of espionage or terrorism due to the use of the drone."
