Privacy Activists Call for Removal of Covert License Plate Readers in California

Groups identify network of devices in San Diego and Imperial counties that may feed data into controversial Border Patrol program

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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More than two dozen privacy and advocacy organizations are calling on California Governor Gavin Newsom to remove a network of covert license plate readers deployed across Southern California that the groups believe feed data into a U.S. Border Patrol predictive domestic intelligence program monitoring millions of American drivers nationwide.

Why it matters

The use of these covert license plate readers raises significant privacy concerns, as the data collected could be used by federal agencies like the Border Patrol and DEA to track the movements of ordinary citizens without their knowledge or consent, potentially violating constitutional protections against unreasonable search and seizure.

The details

The groups' researchers have identified about 40 license plate readers in San Diego and Imperial counties, with more than two dozen hidden in construction barrels. Permits show the Border Patrol and DEA have applied to place readers along state highways, and the DEA shares its data with the Border Patrol. The Border Patrol uses this data to flag vehicles deemed suspicious based on travel patterns, sometimes referring drivers to local law enforcement for traffic stops.

  • The AP investigation revealing the Border Patrol's use of covert license plate readers was published in November 2025.
  • The letter calling for the removal of the devices was sent to Governor Newsom on Tuesday.

The players

Electronic Frontier Foundation

A nonprofit organization that advocates for digital privacy rights and free expression.

Imperial Valley Equity and Justice

A nonprofit organization focused on social and economic justice issues in the Imperial Valley region of California.

Gavin Newsom

The Governor of California.

U.S. Border Patrol

A law enforcement agency under U.S. Customs and Border Protection that is responsible for securing the United States' borders.

Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

A federal law enforcement agency responsible for enforcing the controlled substances laws and regulations of the United States.

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What’s next

The California Department of Transportation has stated that state law prioritizes public safety and privacy, and the office of Governor Newsom has not yet responded to requests for comment on the letter.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing tension between the use of surveillance technologies by law enforcement agencies and the constitutional protections against unreasonable search and seizure, underscoring the need for robust oversight and transparency around the deployment of such technologies to ensure they are not being used to infringe on the privacy rights of citizens.