Americans Are Destroying Flock Surveillance Cameras

Slashdot

by msmash

February 26, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Americans are increasingly destroying Flock surveillance cameras in a growing backlash against their use by U.S. immigration authorities for tracking and deporting individuals. Flock, an Atlanta-based startup valued at $7.5 billion, operates a network of license plate readers across the country, allowing authorities to monitor people's movements. While Flock claims it doesn't share data directly with ICE, reports reveal that local police have provided access to Flock’s cameras and databases to federal agencies. The backlash has intensified as communities express concerns over privacy and government overreach. Critics argue that Flock’s technology enables ICE to target specific groups, particularly immigrants, through the collection of license plate data. Some cities are calling for an end to their contracts with Flock, while others have seen citizens take matters into their own hands by disabling or removing the cameras themselves. This issue highlights a broader debate in tech and law enforcement about the ethical use of surveillance tools. As Flock’s technology continues to be used for immigration enforcement, questions arise about its role in privacy rights and community safety. The destruction of Flock cameras reflects a rising public demand for transparency and accountability in how government agencies utilize such advanced tracking systems.

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Originally published on Slashdot on 2/26/2026