Some Oregon cities are turning off Flock license plate reader cameras because of growing concerns about surveillance and misuse. Others are still using them, even as public trust erodes and the risk to immigrant and reproductive rights grows.

These cameras collect detailed data on every car that passes, including location, vehicle type, and timestamps. That information can be stored, shared, and accessed by law enforcement across the country — including federal agencies like ICE.

Flock says its cameras help fight property crime. But in 2021, a Medford police analyst reportedly searched the database at the request of an ICE officer. Privacy advocates, journalists, and lawmakers have raised alarm that these tools could be used to track undocumented residents or people traveling for abortion care.

Cities like Eugene, Springfield, and Woodburn have already paused their programs. But in many others, these cameras are still running — often without public oversight.

We are calling on every Oregon city to turn off all Flock and similar plate-reading cameras until statewide privacy laws are strengthened. No camera should be scanning our streets if it puts people at risk of being targeted or tracked.

We also urge the Oregon Legislature to act now to set strict rules for how license plate data is stored, accessed, and shared. That must include an explicit ban on access by federal immigration agencies.

Oregonians should be able to drive to school, work, or the doctor’s office without fear of being watched, logged, or reported. We cannot allow high-tech surveillance to quietly take hold in our towns.

Sign this petition to demand cities across Oregon reject ICE-linked surveillance.

Photo: Joel Bissell | MLive.com