Concerns Grow Over Use of License Plate Cameras in Federal Investigations

There are growing concerns tonight about the potential use of local license plate reader cameras in federal immigration enforcement. As these surveillance tools become more widespread across the Coachella Valley, some are questioning whether local police departments are indirectly aiding federal agencies like ICE. Flock Safety cameras, which scan and track license plates, are now present in nearly every city in the region—except Coachella. And while local officials insist their use aligns strictly with state laws that prohibit immigration-related investigations, public skepticism remains.

Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills says his department operates under clear policies to prevent misuse. “The protocols are strict. We shut access off to any agency not in compliance,” Mills told NBC Palm Springs. “They’ve agreed not to share our data with ICE.”

The concern stems largely from a report by the group Oakland Privacy, which analyzed public record logs and found the terms "investigation" or "criminal justice" referenced over 64,000 times in just two months. They also noted the use of acronyms like “HSI” — Homeland Security Investigations — raising alarms about possible overlaps with immigration enforcement. But Riverside County Sheriff and gubernatorial candidate Chad Bianco pushed back on those claims. “HSI stands for Health and Safety in this context,” Bianco stated. “We share data with law enforcement partners only for crimes like drug trafficking, homicides, or human trafficking—not immigration enforcement.”

Despite reassurances, some local residents remain uneasy. “I really don’t understand what it’s being used for,” said one resident. “There’s just no transparency.”

Law enforcement officials insist the cameras have become crucial in solving local crimes. “We rarely go a day without them,” Chief Mills emphasized, noting that every request for data is logged and audited. “We inspect our own systems. Case numbers must be provided, and everything is reviewed to ensure compliance.” Under California Senate policy, existing laws prohibit the sharing or selling of license plate data to any unauthorized agency or individual. Local departments argue they follow these rules to the letter.

Meanwhile, Coachella remains the only city in the valley without LPR cameras. The city council denied the installation of the cameras in 2023. However, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department says it will push to revisit the issue later this year. For more information tune into NBC Palm Springs.