Illinois Cops Gave ICE Access to More Than 5k Surveillance Cameras Nationwide
a year ago
- #privacy
- #immigration
- #surveillance
- Illinois police provided ICE access to over 5,000 surveillance cameras nationwide, despite state laws prohibiting such use.
- Flock Safety, the ALPR technology provider, has 40,000 cameras across the U.S., recording vehicle details and storing data for 30 days.
- Records show 4,000 searches by local and state police for immigration-related reasons, often informally assisting ICE without formal contracts.
- Flock's system allows law enforcement to access nationwide camera data, including from private entities like homeowner associations.
- The system enables real-time tracking of vehicles without warrants, raising Fourth Amendment concerns.
- ICE's informal access to ALPR data bypasses public oversight, sparking privacy and constitutional debates.
- Illinois officials deny violating state laws, but evidence suggests ALPR data is being shared with federal agencies for immigration enforcement.
- Civil liberties advocates warn of unchecked surveillance and the lack of public discussion on federal data access limits.