Florida police ramp up use of Flock license plate readers for ICE

Five Florida law enforcement agencies in Martin, St. Lucie, and Indian River counties conducted 216 immigration-related searches using Flock Safety license plate readers from January to March 2026, up from zero in the same period in 2025. The agencies, including St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office and Indian River County Sheriff’s Office, previously stated they do not actively participate in immigration enforcement but now appear to be using the technology routinely for ICE tracking." "article": "Five law enforcement agencies in Florida’s Treasure Coast—St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office, Indian River County Sheriff’s Office, Vero Beach Police, Fort Pierce Police, and Stuart Police—conducted 216 immigration-related searches using Flock Safety’s automatic license plate readers between January and March 2026. This marks a sharp increase from zero searches in the same period in 2025, with the total surpassing the combined total of 137 searches conducted over the previous two years. The St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office led with 200 searches, followed by Indian River County Sheriff’s Office with 68, Vero Beach Police with 35, and Fort Pierce Police with 18. Flock Safety, an Atlanta-based company, provides AI-powered cameras capable of capturing license plates, vehicle colors, and bumper stickers without requiring a warrant. The data can be stored for weeks, enabling law enforcement to track drivers without direct interaction. Critics argue this practice raises concerns about transparency, as Flock operates as a private entity not subject to the same public records laws as government agencies. The agencies previously stated they do not actively enforce immigration laws, which fall under federal jurisdiction, but their role often includes holding ICE detainees in local jails. St. Lucie Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Capt. Andrew Bolonka emphasized that their primary responsibility under the 287(g) program is incarceration, not proactive immigration enforcement. However, the surge in license plate searches suggests a shift toward broader surveillance for immigration purposes. Stuart immigration attorney Christopher A. Gaston warned that the technology allows police to scan and track vehicles without pulling over drivers, increasing the risk of unwarranted stops. The lack of transparency from agencies and Flock’s private status further complicates oversight, as officials declined to disclose details about the cameras’ deployment or specific investigative actions. Flock’s cameras are used by over 5,000 law enforcement agencies nationwide, with tens of thousands deployed across the U.S., including thousands in Florida alone. The company’s website confirms the cameras enhance security by recording vehicle details, though the extent of their use for immigration enforcement remains unclear due to limited public disclosure.