Searchers from law enforcement agencies across the country often entered ‘ICE’ as reason for access
Read the full article at Colorado Newsline
Summary of Immigration-Related Searches of Denver Flock Camera Data
Quick Overview
Recent audit logs from the Denver Police Department reveal that Flock Safety license plate readers were accessed over 1,400 times for immigration-related searches, raising significant privacy concerns among civil liberties advocates. The data, primarily accessed by out-of-state law enforcement agencies, has sparked a debate regarding the balance between public safety and individual rights, particularly in the context of heightened immigration enforcement under the Trump administration.
Key Points
- High Volume of Immigration Searches: Between June 2024 and April 2025, Denver’s Flock camera data was accessed for immigration-related reasons over 1,400 times, with many searches linked to “ICE” or immigration.
- National Search Feature Disabled: The Denver Police Department disabled the national search feature in April 2025 due to concerns over immigration enforcement practices.
- Mixed Reactions from Officials: While some city officials argue that the cameras are crucial for crime reduction, others express alarm over potential privacy violations and the lack of oversight in the contract renewal process.
- Legal and Ethical Concerns: Advocates, including the ACLU Colorado, argue that the surveillance system infringes on civil liberties and could lead to abuse of data, especially regarding immigrant populations.
- Contract Controversy: Despite the City Council’s rejection of a contract extension with Flock, Mayor Mike Johnston extended the contract independently, raising questions about transparency and accountability.
Detailed Breakdown
Immigration-Related Searches
Audit logs obtained by Newsline indicate that the Flock camera data was accessed for immigration-related reasons more than 1,400 times, with approximately 690 searches occurring after President Trump took office. Many search requests explicitly cited “ICE” as the reason, although a police spokesperson noted that not all searches were for immigration enforcement purposes.
Privacy and Civil Liberties Concerns
Civil liberties advocates, including Katie Leonard from the Denver Party for Socialism and Liberation, expressed deep concerns over the implications of such data access. Leonard stated, “The logs confirm our worst fears,” emphasizing the need to end the contract with Flock. The ACLU’s Anaya Robinson warned that the Flock system contributes to a broader surveillance network that threatens individual privacy rights.
Law Enforcement and Crime Reduction
Proponents of the Flock cameras, including Denver police, argue that the technology has been effective in reducing auto theft and aiding criminal investigations, leading to 289 arrests. However, critics argue that the benefits do not justify the privacy infringements, especially given the current political climate regarding immigration enforcement.
Contract Issues and City Council Reactions
In May 2025, the Denver City Council unanimously rejected a $666,000 contract extension with Flock, but Mayor Johnston extended the contract for $499,000 without council approval. This decision has drawn criticism from council members like Sarah Parady, who described the process as “incredibly alarming” and indicative of an attempt to evade oversight.
Ongoing Surveillance and Data Retention
Despite the national search feature being disabled, concerns remain about the retention of license plate images for 30 days, which advocates argue poses a risk to the rights of Denver residents. Leonard remarked, “These cameras need to be turned off,” highlighting the ongoing debate over surveillance practices in the city.
Notable Quotes & Data
- “The logs confirm our worst fears.” – Katie Leonard, organizer with the Denver Party for Socialism and Liberation.
- “While a lot of this conversation is about immigrant data, and the situation is extremely concerning, it doesn’t stop there.” – Anaya Robinson, public policy director of ACLU Colorado.
- Denver Flock cameras capture approximately 2 million license plate images per month.
Context & Implications
The use of Flock cameras in Denver underscores a broader national conversation about surveillance, immigration enforcement, and civil liberties. With the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration policies, the implications of data access and privacy concerns are more pronounced than ever. The ongoing debates in Denver may set precedents for how similar technologies are implemented and regulated across the country, particularly in relation to immigrant rights and privacy protections. ns.