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Flock camera at entrance to Ballinger Homes at the 19800 block of SR 104. Photo by author
Flock cameras are increasingly being installed in local cities. So far, Lake Forest Park has none. The closest Flock camera is in front of Ballinger Homes, 19800 block of Ballinger Way (SR 104). It is unknown if any of its multiple cameras are reading license plates on SR 104. Previous attempts to reach King County Housing Authority, Robin Walls, for comment have gone unanswered.
A division of ICE, the Secret Service, and the Navy’s criminal investigation division all had access to Flock’s nationwide network of tens of thousands of AI-enabled cameras that constantly track the movements of vehicles. By extension, people, according to a letter sent by Senator Ron Wyden (D, Oregon).
In a letter released Thursday, Oct. 16th, 2025, Wyden said Flock has failed to prevent federal immigration authorities from accessing local police data, despite earlier assurances. He cited investigations showing federal agents using local officers’ passwords, police running searches on behalf of immigration enforcement, and Flock’s past partnership with the Department of Homeland Security.
Flock’s cameras scan vehicles for license plates, color, and make, storing data for 30 days. Wyden said such tools pose risks to privacy and civil rights, especially for immigrants and marginalized groups.
Close up showing three cameras of Flock camera at the entrance to Ballinger Homes at the 19800 block of SR 104. Photo by author“I commend and support communities reexamining their contracts,” Wyden wrote. “Local officials can best protect their constituents by removing Flock from their communities.”
The city of Eugene recently voted to pause its use of Flock cameras, while Springfield plans community discussions before activating theirs. Local activists have warned the system could be used by the Trump administration to target vulnerable populations.
Wyden agreed the safeguards he previously negotiated with Flock were insufficient, noting that roughly 14% of searches in the system used vague “investigation” labels—potentially masking surveillance of immigrants or abortion patients.
The FLOCK license plate reader system has been a point of tension in Mountlake Terrace.
