U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) gained indirect access to a vast network of AI-powered license plate reader cameras operated by Flock Safety, according to documents reviewed by 404 Media.
ICE has no direct agreement with Flock, but has accessed the system through search requests routed via local and state law enforcement.
These lookups were conducted by agencies across dozens of states, including police departments in Texas, Florida, Missouri and Arizona.
Flock Safety operates over 40,000 automatic license plate reader (ALPR) cameras in more than 5,000 U.S. communities.
The cameras continuously record vehicle data, including license plates, color, make and sometimes unique features such as bumper stickers or missing hubcaps.
According to the company’s documentation, agencies using the ‘National Lookup’ tool can query camera data from jurisdictions nationwide.
Civil liberties advocates warn that the practice raises significant privacy concerns and calls for public debate over the limits of law enforcement surveillance. »