Council approves expanded automated license‑plate reader use over privacy objections

Los Angeles — The City Council on Jan. 7 approved item 20 authorizing measures related to automated license‑plate readers (ALPRs), despite public testimony warning the technology amounts to mass surveillance and can be shared with federal immigration authorities.

The motion carried on a roll call vote of 10 ayes and 3 noes.

Why it matters: Public speakers and privacy advocates told the council ALPRs record more than plates — they capture people and items in and around vehicles and can be retained and queried over long periods. Critics said the systems can be used by federal agencies and emphasized risks to immigrant communities. Supporters and some council members argued ALPRs are a law‑enforcement tool for public safety.

What speakers said: During public comment Amitan (identified on the record as a community speaker) said ALPRs form part of a “mass surveillance system” and urged caution, noting that photos “include anyone in and around the car” and that data could be accessed by ICE. Adam (LA CAN) and other speakers echoed concerns about data sharing and argued the council should ensure stronger limits on retention and third‑party access.

Council action: The council considered item 20 as a separate vote. The clerk recorded a final tally of 10 ayes and 3 noes. The transcript does not record the exact motion text on the floor; the council vote appears on the official roll call for item 20.

Next steps: Implementation and any oversight provisions will be carried out by the relevant city departments. Public commenters asked the council to add strict access controls and data‑retention limits; those proposals were raised in testimony but are not shown as adopted amendments in the council record posted to the bulletin board.