Cities Rethink Facial Recognition Tech Amid Privacy and Immigration Concerns

A growing number of cities across the United States are reevaluating their leverage of automated license plate reader (ALPR) technology, particularly systems provided by Flock Safety, due to concerns over data privacy, potential misuse, and the risk of aiding immigration enforcement. While some municipalities are canceling contracts, others are grappling with how to balance public safety with civil liberties.

Santa Cruz Leads the Way in Terminating Contracts

On Tuesday, January 13, 2026, the Santa Cruz City Council voted 6-1 to terminate its contract with Flock Safety, becoming the first city in California to do so. The decision stemmed from reports that the city’s license plate data had been accessed by out-of-state agencies, raising concerns during a period of heightened immigration enforcement. Mayor Fred Keeley, who previously opposed the Flock contract in 2024, expressed concerns about the system’s flaws and the potential for ongoing issues.

Concerns Over Data Sharing and Immigration Enforcement

The primary concern driving the backlash against Flock Safety and similar companies is the potential for data sharing with federal immigration authorities, specifically Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Critics argue that this undermines a city’s commitment to being a sanctuary for immigrants. Hamid Khan, an organizer with the Stop LAPD Spying Coalition, stated that license plate readers can provide a “road map to ICE for going out to kidnap people.”

How Flock Safety Technology Works

Flock Safety’s ALPR systems utilize cameras mounted on street poles or police vehicles to continuously monitor passing vehicles. The technology records the vehicle’s location, date, and time, as well as identifying details such as make, model, color, and any distinctive markings. This data allows law enforcement to search for specific vehicles, retrace their movements, and even predict future locations. Flock Safety claims its technology has helped solve 10% of reported crimes in the U.S. And has been used to address issues like porch piracy and car theft.

LAPD and Other Cities Continue to Utilize Flock

Despite the growing concerns, some cities, including Los Angeles, continue to rely on Flock Safety’s technology. LAPD officials maintain that access to the data is limited to a few partner agencies and is restricted by state laws regarding information sharing with federal entities. The LAPD has 1,500 police vehicles equipped with scanners and access to an additional 280 fixed location readers, approximately 120 of which are operated by Flock. Flock has also actively marketed its product to private citizens, homeowners associations, and businesses.

Privacy Advocates Raise Concerns About Warrantless Tracking

Privacy advocates argue that the widespread use of ALPR technology enables the potential tracking of law-abiding citizens without a warrant. Hannah Bloch-Wehba, a professor of law at Texas A&M University, notes that “when you don’t have a suspect, everyone can be a suspect.”

Flock Safety’s Response and Ongoing Debate

Flock Safety initially denied having federal contracts but later admitted to working with U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Homeland Security Investigations, subsequently stating it had severed ties with both agencies. The company has also taken steps to give communities more control over data access. However, the debate over the balance between public safety and privacy continues, with cities like San Diego and Oakland also reevaluating their relationships with the company. Cambridge, Massachusetts, terminated its contract in December.