Arizona Police Departments Confirm: ICE Isn’t Tapping Into Their License Plate Scanners

A license plate scanning tool, designed to assist in combating car theft and locating missing persons, is reportedly being utilized by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). While some police departments in Arizona possess this technology, representatives assert that ICE has not made any requests to access it.

Initially highlighted by 404 Media, local law enforcement agencies nationwide have integrated an AI-powered automatic license plate reader (ALPR) system into ICE investigations, enabling the agency to leverage a tool without a formal federal contract.

The ALPR systems collect data from license plates, which can be flagged or stored in databases. This information often reveals details about individuals’ movements. A notable case in Texas involved tracking a woman post-abortion using this data, raising serious privacy concerns.

Most of Arizona’s camera systems are stationed in the Phoenix metropolitan area, though some extend to rural regions and near the border. Inquiries directed to nine law enforcement agencies about their use of the ALPR tech, provided by Flock, confirmed that none had received requests from ICE.

The Nova tool, part of the ALPR system, has faced scrutiny due to allegations of using data acquired through security breaches. Flock has committed to discontinuing the use of such data following these revelations. The police departments from El Mirage, Buckeye, Apache Junction, and Casa Grande confirmed they do not engage with the Nova tool or provide data to ICE.

Casa Grande Police Chief Mark McCrory emphasized in correspondence that while alerts are shared regarding stolen vehicles or wanted subjects, direct access to data is not granted to ICE. The Scottsdale Police Department also clarified they don’t use the Nova tool, but were unsure if ICE had made any requests.

Some sheriff’s offices and law enforcement bodies did not respond to requests for comment. The scrutiny surrounding law enforcement cooperation with ICE intensified following the 404 Media report, which coincides with ongoing debates about local enforcement’s role in President Donald Trump’s deportation policies.

Activists from the group Poder in Action recently petitioned the Phoenix City Council to end the Phoenix Police Department’s collaboration with ICE. Although the department does not utilize the Flock camera system, they do engage with ICE through other avenues and possess an ALPR program.

The Arizona Republic highlighted that most arrests leading to ICE deportation actions within the metro area were executed by Phoenix Police. Concurrently, state lawmakers are pushing to compel local agencies to enhance their cooperation with ICE.

During a City Council meeting, Councilwoman Anna Hernandez questioned Police Chief Dennis Orender about the sharing of ALPR data with ICE. Phoenix Police use a different ALPR system by Vigilant Solutions, widely adopted by various law enforcement agencies across the state.

Orender noted that if an “approved entity” requested data from the ALPR database, access could be granted. However, he clarified that this information pertains only to vehicle locations at specific times, not ownership details.

Concerns regarding privacy were echoed by Councilwoman Kesha Hodge Washington, who referenced the alarming use of ALPR data in Texas. Questions arose about existing protocols intended to safeguard Phoenix residents’ privacy. Orender indicated that the department has privacy policies, yet promised to return with answers regarding oversight procedures.

Poder Co-Executive Director Ben Laughlin articulated hopes that petitions like theirs would prevent local residents from becoming ensnared in the “deportation pipeline.” He emphasized that arrests often initiate from routine interactions, leading individuals toward potential involvement with ICE.

The Phoenix City Council requested that police present a strategy at an upcoming meeting to ensure auditing of ALPR data usage and address concerns regarding data operational practices.