Trump Expresses Support for Flock Surveillance Cameras

<p>President Donald Trump expressed support for Flock surveillance cameras on September 14, 2026, stating that he appreciates the technology for its assistance to law enforcement. </p><p>“I sort of like them because of that, because of law enforcement, but some people don’t. They think it’s an infringement, but I like them,” Trump told reporters while aboard Air Force One.</p><p>The debate surrounding Flock's solar-paneled license plate readers has intensified in recent months. Supporters argue that the cameras aid police in combating crime, while critics contend that they contribute to a surveillance state. Some leftist critics express concerns that the cameras may be used by ICE to apprehend undocumented immigrants.</p><p>Flock states that its cameras capture images of vehicles and license plates, which can be utilized by “authorized users,” such as law enforcement, to pursue leads and resolve criminal cases. The company asserts that it does not employ facial recognition technology, does not continuously track vehicles, and does not provide live video feeds.</p><p>Approximately 5,000 law enforcement agencies are estimated to utilize Flock cameras, and many police organizations have defended their usage. John Wilkerson, a liaison for the Texas Municipal Police Association, remarked, “These are put out into public places where everybody has the right to record them anyways; if you’re standing on the sidewalk, you can pull out your phone and record every car that drives by there. I really hope the individuals out there, destroying the camera systems, never become a victim of a crime themselves.”</p><p>Other organizations, including the Fraternal Order of Police, support the technology but have criticized Flock for its management of privacy issues and have called for additional safeguards.</p><p>Republican Governors Ron DeSantis of Florida and Greg Abbott of Texas have both taken measures to limit the use of Flock cameras. DeSantis stated last month that the use of the cameras was “out of control” and initiated actions to remove Flock cameras from state highways. “I’m all about having law enforcement have tools to hold criminals accountable,” he said. “I think that’s important that we do that, and no one’s been stronger on law enforcement than me, but I don’t want to have this become a surveillance state.”</p><p>In Texas, Abbott paused the allocation of state funds for Flock cameras by state agencies.</p><p>Trump has maintained a pro-technology position as president, advocating for the establishment of new data centers and endorsing the advancement of artificial intelligence. “It’s going to be more good than bad,” he said when asked about concerns regarding AI. “And I’ve said it from the very beginning. Whoever wins AI, and we’re leading by a lot. Whoever wins AI wins.”</p>