More than 1,400 immigration-related cases have been connected to law enforcement searches of Denver’s system of Flock Safety license plate reader cameras made in 2024 and 2025.
The cameras were first installed in May 2024 and were intended to help police reduce auto theft and crime. The cameras capture detailed information about vehicles, including license plate numbers, make, model and scratches or bumper stickers. Since installation, Denver police said data from the cameras have helped make 289 arrests.
Although the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) did not have direct access to the Denver Flock cameras, other law enforcement agencies nationwide could previously search the data.
Before April 8, 2025, Denver police allowed their camera data to be accessed by police across the country. Police departments from other states, including Dallas and Jacksonville, Fla., accessed the data in immigration cases.
The issue gained attention when Denver City Council unanimously rejected a $666,000 contract extension with Flock in May 2025. Mayor Mike Johnston later extended the contract independently.
Records show that many of the searches were marked as being “ICE” or “immigration.” Roughly 600 of these searches occurred after President Trump’s inauguration in January 2025. Reports did not say how many occurred before that date.
Despite the labels, it’s unknown whether these searches directly led to any arrests or actions by federal immigration authorities. Police stated that searches labeled “ICE” weren’t always related to immigration cases; they could have been for typical criminal investigations.
Privacy and immigration rights groups have expressed concerns about the potential misuse of these cameras, arguing that even if the cameras are solely used in auto theft cases, the fact that the data can be accessed nationally raises significant privacy concerns.
Following these concerns, Denver police disabled the national search feature in April 2025, preventing other districts from accessing the city’s camera for out-of-state searches. However, Denver continues to share Flock data with other Colorado law enforcement agencies.
For example, reports indicate that law enforcement agents used Denver’s data to conduct 26 ICE-related searches between April 3 and April 25, 2025.
Colorado law prohibits local law enforcement from sharing personal information with federal immigration authorities or detaining people on behalf of ICE. Even with these protections, the national accessibility of the cameras has raised concerns that immigrant communities could be indirectly affected.
Denver police emphasized that the cameras remain an important part of stopping car theft and other crimes, but the situation raises bigger questions about surveillance, privacy and balancing public safety with civil rights.
Advocates with the ACLU of Colorado warn that without strict rules, technologies like Flock cameras could be used in ways they weren’t meant for, potentially putting vulnerable populations at risk.
Denver officials are considering whether to continue working with Flock safety as its contract expires next month. The mayor asked for bids, hinting at a possible change after months of tension with city council.
City officials said future contracts would include stricter limits on data retention and information sharing.
