The following cities have taken formal action to remove, deactivate, or cancel Flock Safety ALPR systems. This list was compiled from reporting by NPR, the Chicago Tribune, the ACLU, and local news outlets. As of July 2026, at least 30 localities have taken action, with much of the activity occurring in the first half of 2025.
In August 2025, Evanston ordered Flock Safety to remove 19 ALPR cameras after an audit by the Illinois Secretary of State found that federal agencies, including Customs and Border Protection (CBP), were accessing the data. The city terminated its nearly $200,000 contract. In a remarkable turn, Flock then reinstalled cameras without the city's authorization, prompting Evanston to issue a cease-and-desist order. This case became a national flashpoint in the debate over ALPR oversight and federal data access.
Flagstaff deactivated its Flock cameras amid concerns about mass surveillance and data sharing with federal immigration enforcement. The liberal college town was among the first wave of cities to cancel Flock contracts in early 2025, driven by resident organizing and civil liberties concerns.
Cambridge canceled its Flock contract, joining a growing list of municipalities concerned about the privacy implications of mass ALPR surveillance. The decision followed advocacy from local privacy groups and ACLU affiliates.
Eugene deactivated its Flock cameras, citing concerns about civil liberties and the potential for data to be used in ways the community did not consent to. The city's decision was part of a broader wave of West Coast cities pushing back against surveillance technology.
Santa Cruz canceled its Flock contract, with city officials citing resident concerns about mass surveillance and data sharing. The decision reflected growing scrutiny of ALPR technology in California, where state law already imposes some restrictions on ALPR data retention.
In addition to the cities above, the NPR investigation identified at least 30 localities that have deactivated Flock cameras or canceled contracts since early 2025. The list includes cities in Oregon, Washington, Massachusetts, California, Arizona, and other states. Some cities debated the issue and ultimately decided to keep their cameras, but the pressure campaign has been effective in many communities. The ACLU maintains an active tracker and encourages residents to report new developments in their areas.
The backlash is driven by several factors: concerns that ALPR data is being shared with federal immigration enforcement (ICE and CBP) without local consent; documented abuses including a Texas officer using Flock to track a woman who had an abortion; EFF revelations that 50+ police agencies used Flock to surveil protesters with no crime alleged; and a growing awareness that mass surveillance systems inevitably expand beyond their original justification. The ACLU has warned that "mass surveillance always expands beyond the uses for which it is initially justified."
If your city has Flock cameras and you want them removed, the ACLU's "Get the Flock Out" campaign provides a step-by-step advocacy toolkit: attend city council meetings and speak during public comment, file public records requests to uncover the contract terms and data sharing agreements, organize neighbors and build a coalition, contact your local ACLU affiliate for support, and push for a city ordinance banning or restricting ALPR deployment. In February 2026, the ACLU released model legislation for regulating ALPR cameras — bring this to your city council and state representatives.
How many cities have banned Flock cameras?
As of July 2026, at least 30 cities and localities have deactivated Flock cameras or canceled contracts since the beginning of 2025, according to NPR reporting. The list is growing.
Which was the first city to ban Flock cameras?
There is no single "first" city, but Evanston, Illinois became the most high-profile case in August 2025 when it ordered Flock to remove 19 cameras after discovering federal agencies were accessing the data.
Has any state banned Flock cameras?
No state has enacted a blanket ban on Flock cameras, but several states — including Arkansas, Maine, New Hampshire, and Virginia — have passed laws restricting ALPR data collection, retention, or sharing.
Can my city ban Flock cameras?
Yes. Cities have broad authority to decide whether to contract with Flock Safety. Over 30 cities have already canceled contracts after resident pressure. Contact your city council and local ACLU affiliate for advocacy resources.
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