Residents urge Mountlake Terrace council to revisit Flock surveillance technology vote

During the Mountlake Terrace City Council Work Session on July 10, 2025, community members voiced significant concerns regarding the council's recent decision to implement a surveillance system known as Flock. The discussions highlighted the intersection of public safety, immigrant rights, and the implications of increased surveillance in the community.

One resident, who identified as the daughter of an immigrant and a social worker, passionately urged the council to reconsider their vote on the Flock system. She recounted her recent experiences in California, where she witnessed heightened tensions surrounding immigration enforcement, including the presence of ICE agents near her family. This prompted her to advocate for the safety of immigrant community members in Mountlake Terrace, emphasizing that the local police should not facilitate ICE operations. She expressed fear that the Flock system could inadvertently assist federal agents in targeting vulnerable populations, urging the council to vote against its implementation.

Another resident, Ode Puyfoulhou, shared her personal journey as an immigrant and the fear that drove her to become a U.S. citizen. Drawing parallels between modern surveillance and historical abuses in East Germany, she cautioned the council about the potential misuse of surveillance technology. Puyfoulhou emphasized that definitions of crime and safety can shift dramatically depending on those in power, urging the council to consider the historical context of surveillance before approving such measures.

The discussions at the meeting underscored a growing unease within the community regarding the balance between safety and civil liberties. Residents called for the establishment of a community policing advisory board to ensure that the rights of all community members, particularly immigrants, are protected. The council's decision-making process will likely be influenced by this public feedback, as residents seek to safeguard their community from potential overreach by law enforcement.

As the council moves forward, the implications of their decisions regarding surveillance and community safety will be closely watched by residents, particularly those from immigrant backgrounds. The call for a reevaluation of the Flock vote reflects a broader concern about the impact of technology on civil rights and community trust.