In the backdrop of intense federal deportation measures, community trust in local law enforcement faces renewed scrutiny, particularly over the use of surveillance tools like automated license plate readers (ALPRs) to track an individual’s whereabouts.
ALPR technology uses cameras and software to capture images of vehicle license plates. The data can be searched to track vehicle movements or identify stolen or suspect cars. If not used in an investigation, data is deleted after 30 days, according to the San Diego Police Department (SDPD).
Are state law protections enough?
While a decade-old California law, Senate Bill 34, bars local agencies from sharing ALPR data with federal or out-of-state entities, local communities fear the protections may not be enough.
As of June 2025, San Diego’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office, which handles illegal movement of people, goods and money, has made over 1,339 arrests throughout the county. An Axios analysis from the Deportation Data Project reveals that 72% of arrestees had no criminal record or conviction…