He saw an abandoned trailer. Then, uncovered a surveillance network
4 hours ago
- #border-security
- #privacy
- #surveillance
- Southern California residents are noticing new license plate readers operated by Border Patrol, leading to confusing encounters with agents.
- James Cordero discovered hidden cameras in trailers and construction barrels on border roads, feeding data into federal surveillance networks.
- Privacy experts and civil liberties advocates raise concerns over the program, viewing it as an unwarranted government intrusion.
- Supporters argue the cameras help law enforcement identify suspects and track patterns in drug and human trafficking.
- Humanitarian volunteers, like Cordero, fear being tracked or detained by Border Patrol while aiding migrants.
- The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) and 30 organizations urge California to revoke permits for covert license plate readers.
- EFF mapped over 40 hidden cameras, claiming they bypass state laws regulating automated license plate readers (ALPRs).
- Caltrans approved permits for federal agencies to install ALPRs but denies access to collected data.
- California law prohibits sharing license plate data with federal immigration agencies, but some local agencies violate this.
- Border Patrol's hidden cameras and data collection raise concerns about privacy and surveillance overreach.