Denver City Council Ends License Plate Tracking System
The Denver City Council, leaning left, has decided to unanimously terminate the anti-theft license plate tracking initiative. This system has raised concerns, particularly due to its potential use by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to target undocumented individuals.
Back in May, the council chose not to renew a $666,000 contract with Flock, a program that began about a year prior. This camera setup was monitoring around 70 intersections across Denver, primarily aimed at addressing car theft.
According to reports, the system scans roughly 2 million vehicles each month, leading to the recovery of 170 stolen cars and 300 arrests. Additionally, data from the cameras has aided the Denver Police Department in solving hit-and-run cases and murders.
Despite these successes, council members worry that the data could be accessed not only by the police but also by various law enforcement agencies, raising fears about its potential use in immigration enforcement, including the tracking and deportation of undocumented immigrants.
Critics argue that the council seems more focused on safeguarding individuals living in the country illegally than on ensuring the safety of the broader community. In the face of such criticisms, Councillor Kevin Flynn has chosen to address the issue directly.
“We know it helps solve crimes,” Flynn remarked. “But since January 20th of this year, concerns have increased significantly, and there’s a new reality that we’re facing.”
Councillor Sarah Paradis also emphasized the need to prioritize the protection of undocumented immigrants. “Just last week, there was an executive order for the Department of Justice and the FBI to investigate why local officials might be obstructing ICE enforcement,” she noted. “This type of surveillance technology can be dangerous in the wrong hands. Now, it seems like the federal government has those intentions.”
Interestingly, the city’s progressive mayor, a Democrat, backed the decision to end the contract, despite the system’s role in crime prevention.
“Today’s landscape is quite different from when this initiative launched in early 2024, and we recognize the growing concerns from the community regarding this technology,” stated Mayor Mike Johnston’s office.
On the other hand, Denver Police Sergeant Todd Erickson praised the camera system’s effectiveness. “This technology has been incredibly useful for us,” he said back in April. “It’s a critical tool for law enforcement and the victims we serve.”
First Assistant District Attorney Matthew Kirsch also remarked on the system’s importance, calling it “invaluable” for building cases related to vehicle theft and other legal matters.
The current contract with Flock will remain in effect until its expiration in February.
