Flock Safety Pauses U.S. Government Pilots Amid ICE Concerns

The automated license plate reader provider Flock Safety paused its pilot programs with the U.S. government after reports emerged that the technology was being adapted for use by Immigration and Customs Enforcement to detain undocumented immigrants. The company had previously run limited pilots with Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Customs and Border Protection to assist in combating human trafficking and fentanyl distribution, though it stated it holds no current contracts with Department of Homeland Security agencies.

While the company pulls back from federal pilots, some local governments continue to expand usage. In Denver, Mayor Mike Johnston extended the city's contract with the company through October 2025. This decision faces opposition from the city council and the American Civil Liberties Union of Colorado, which cited privacy concerns and the potential for the system to be exploited for immigration enforcement.

Law enforcement agencies in other cities maintain the technology's utility. Police in Dallas and Fort Worth report that the cameras are effective tools for recovering stolen vehicles and detecting firearms via the Dallas Fusion Center.