University of Washington report shows ICE agents accessed Washington police camera networks

SPOKANE, Wash. — A new report reveals that federal agencies accessed surveillance camera data from Washington state law enforcement agencies, with some departments unaware their systems had been compromised.

In the October report, The University of Washington Center for Human Rights found that U.S. Border Patrol had access to data from Flock cameras operated by 18 different law enforcement agencies across Washington state. The automated license plate recognition cameras are designed to capture license plates and vehicle descriptions to help local police track down stolen cars and criminals.

According to the report, eight of the law enforcement agencies had directly granted Border Patrol access to their camera networks, while the remaining 10 agencies said Border Patrol gained access without their knowledge or authorization.

“It’s certainly concerning that these technologies are being used in ways that local agencies may not have full knowledge or control over,” said Phil Neff from the University of Washington Center for Human Rights.

The Flock camera system operates similarly to social media platforms, where agencies can decide who has access to their network through a process comparable to accepting friend requests. However, the report suggests this access control system may have vulnerabilities that allowed unauthorized federal access.

The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, which operates 60-70 Flock cameras placed along streets throughout the county, told The Spokesman-Review that its camera system is not accessible to any federal or out-of-state law enforcement agencies. The department does share camera data with local police departments from Spokane, Airway Heights and Liberty Lake.

The City of Spokane confirmed it does not operate any Flock cameras within its jurisdiction.

The Center for Human Rights said the findings raise particular concerns given Washington state law that prohibits local law enforcement agencies from assisting with federal immigration enforcement. The unauthorized access to surveillance data could potentially violate these state protections.