Story perspectives

Privacy Groups Demand End to Covert License Plate Readers

2/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

More than two dozen privacy and advocacy groups urge Governor Gavin Newsom to dismantle covert license plate readers in Southern California.
Readers feed data into a U.S. Border Patrol program monitoring travel patterns for suspicious activity.
Associated Press investigation revealed Border Patrol concealed readers in traffic safety equipment, identifying about 40 readers in San Diego and Imperial counties, some hidden in barrels.
California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and Newsom's office have not commented.

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Story summary

More than two dozen privacy and advocacy groups urge Governor Gavin Newsom to dismantle covert license plate readers in Southern California.
Readers feed data into a U.S. Border Patrol program monitoring travel patterns for suspicious activity.
Associated Press investigation revealed Border Patrol concealed readers in traffic safety equipment, identifying about 40 readers in San Diego and Imperial counties, some hidden in barrels.
California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and Newsom's office have not commented.