Residents Destroy Flock Surveillance Cameras Across US as ICE Access Sparks Backlash

From Oregon to Virginia, a physical revolt against Flock's automatic license plate readers is underway as communities discover federal agencies can access the data.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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As Flock's license plate surveillance network spreads across thousands of US communities and shares data with ICE, residents from Oregon to Virginia are sawing down cameras, pressuring city councils, and taking direct action to dismantle the technology. The backlash has intensified as communities discover federal agencies like ICE can access the data collected by Flock's automatic license plate readers without a warrant, raising concerns about privacy and immigration enforcement.

Why it matters

The Flock surveillance camera network has become a flashpoint for debates around privacy, government overreach, and the use of technology for law enforcement and immigration enforcement purposes. The physical destruction of the cameras highlights the depth of community opposition to these systems and the perceived threat they pose, especially to immigrant communities.

The details

Flock, a $7.5 billion company based in Atlanta, sells automatic license plate reader (ALPR) technology to police and local governments across the US. Its cameras capture vehicle information like license plates, make, model, and color, storing the data in databases accessible to law enforcement and federal agencies like ICE without a warrant. This has sparked outrage in communities, leading to incidents of cameras being sawn down, poles severed, and equipment methodically dismantled. The backlash has spread from Oregon to Virginia, where one man has been charged with intentionally destroying 13 Flock cameras.

  • In April-October 2025, Jefferey S. Sovern allegedly destroyed 13 Flock cameras in Virginia.
  • In 2025, at least six Flock cameras were chopped down in Eugene and Springfield, Oregon.
  • In December 2025, residents in San Diego failed to convince the city to cut ties with Flock's 'smart streetlight' program.

The players

Flock

An Atlanta-based company that sells automatic license plate reader (ALPR) technology to police and local governments across the US. Flock's cameras capture vehicle information and store it in databases accessible to law enforcement and federal agencies like ICE.

Jefferey S. Sovern

A 41-year-old Virginia resident who has been charged with intentionally destroying 13 Flock cameras between April and October 2025.

Bill Paul

The operator of the independent news outlet San Diego Slackers, who first reported on the smashed Flock cameras in La Mesa, California.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal agency that enforces deportations and immigration raids, and is a regular user of the data collected by Flock's ALPR cameras.

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What they’re saying

“There was a huge turnout against them, but the council approved continuation of the contract.”

— Bill Paul, Operator, San Diego Slackers (San Diego Slackers)

“Hahaha get wrecked ya surveilling fucks.”

— Anonymous (Local television)

What’s next

The judge in Jefferey S. Sovern's case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow him out on bail.

The takeaway

The backlash against Flock's surveillance cameras highlights the growing concerns in communities across the US about the use of this technology, especially when it is connected to federal agencies like ICE. This physical destruction of the cameras reflects the depth of opposition to these systems and the perceived threat they pose to privacy and civil liberties.