Police Misuse of Flock AI Surveillance Systems for Immigration Enforcement
Atlanta Police Department officers used Flock license plate reader cameras to search for immigrants in March 2025, conducting at least 15 searches with terms like "locate alien" and "ERO assist." The unauthorized searches violated the department's stated policy of not assisting federal immigration enforcement, prompting police departments in multiple cities to suspend or review their Flock systems.
What happened
Between March 20 and March 24, 2025, two individuals using Atlanta Police Department credentials conducted at least 15 searches of the interconnected Flock license plate reader network using search terms including 'locate alien' and 'ERO assist,' referring to ICE's Enforcement Removal Operations division, according to records obtained via open records request.
Atlanta Police Investigator David Stribling conducted 12 searches labeled with variations of 'locate alien,' while a second user, Keya Chavies identified as an ATF Intelligence Specialist, conducted three searches labeled 'ERO assist.' When asked about the searches, an APD spokesperson stated the department 'has not assisted any federal law enforcement agencies with immigration enforcement activities this year.'
Reported impact
The misuse prompted multiple police departments to suspend their Flock systems. The city of Redmond voted to suspend use of its Flock license plate reader system after learning that the U.S. Border Patrol had improperly accessed Auburn's Flock system, and other government and police agencies around Washington took similar measures.
The incident raised public concerns about privacy and system access, leading to continued scrutiny of police surveillance technology deployment.
Index analysis
The searches reveal unauthorized access to a surveillance system by individuals using law enforcement credentials for purposes contrary to stated departmental policy. The use of immigration-specific search terms in a system accessed by police without explicit authorization for immigration enforcement represents a misuse of surveillance infrastructure and potential violation of user agreements.
Governance controls
APD stated it had not assisted federal immigration enforcement, contradicting the documented searches. The unauthorized access by an ATF officer using APD credentials suggests inadequate controls over system access and user accountability.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.