Sanders, Ocasio-Cortez and Merkley Propose Ban on Federal Use of License-Plate Readers

Senators Bernie Sanders and Jeff Merkley and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez released the proposed Ban Flock Act on October 2, 2026. It would bar federal agencies from using automatic license-plate readers or accessing their data, cut federal grants to state and local governments using the technology, and let Americans sue over related federal rights violations.

Police searches supplied the catalyst

The sponsors’ announcement cites immigration enforcement and monitoring of protests among the reasons for the legislation. Flock’s national lookup tool lets subscribing agencies access camera data from other cities and states, according to Sanders’ office. That shared access is central to the lawmakers’ objections, not simply the presence of cameras on local streets.

In May 2025, 404 Media reported that local police were conducting Flock lookups for Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Afterward, Flock stopped other agencies from searching cameras in Illinois, California and Virginia, the outlet reported. The company also said it introduced a tool to block impermissible searches in real time.

The outlet has also reported police use of Flock to investigate an immigration protest in California and monitor No Kings demonstrations.

Your right to privacy includes the freedom to move around your community without every move being monitored.

Sen. Jeff Merkley, in the October 2 announcement

A federal cutoff, not just a Flock restriction

Automatic license-plate readers are camera systems that scan and record vehicle plates. Although the legislation names Flock, the restrictions described by its sponsors apply to the technology and its providers generally. The Ban Flock Act is a proposal, not an enacted restriction. It has three distinct enforcement mechanisms:

• Federal access: Agencies would be prohibited from using license-plate readers or accessing the information they collect.
• Grant funding: State and local governments would lose access to federal grants if they use the readers or contract with companies providing them.
• Lawsuits: Americans could sue the federal government for violations of their rights through the use of license-plate readers.

Local exits precede the proposed federal restrictions

Sanders’ office says at least 56 municipalities had deactivated, canceled or rejected Flock contracts so far in 2026. It identifies Flock as the largest U.S. license-plate-reader vendor, with more than 120,000 cameras nationwide.