How Do the License Plate Tracking Cameras Used by ICE Work?

ICE Tracks Vehicles with License Plate Readers

Uses Artificial Intelligence

Analyzes Vehicle Movements

The surveillance tools used by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, make it possible to collect information in public spaces without always requiring a prior court order.

These systems are part of a broader set of technologies used by the Department of Homeland Security, or DHS, for detection, observation, and monitoring tasks.

Why it matters: Cameras and automated systems make it possible to record vehicle movements, support immigration investigations, and process large volumes of information more quickly.

The Department of Homeland Security uses more than 20 detection, observation, and monitoring technologies across its different components, including ICE.

How Do ICE Cameras Work to Track License Plates?

The U.S. has a system that tracks license plates: the problem is that some police officers are using it to harass their exes https://t.co/h1wtEukYa2

— xataka (@xataka) June 12, 2026

Among the tools identified are drones or unmanned aerial vehicles, according to La Nación.

High-resolution cameras installed on public poles are also used.

Automated license plate readers are also part of these tools.

In addition, agencies have facial recognition and data analysis tools.

According to a document from the Government Accountability Office, or GAO, these technologies can complement one another to expand surveillance and investigative capabilities.

Agents also use software programs designed to process large amounts of information.

These systems make it possible to review and organize data obtained through different technological tools.

The combination of these resources makes it easier to analyze records collected during operations and patrols.

Cameras Record License Plates in Motion

ABC15 Investigator Melissa Blasius uncovers how automated license plate readers used by Valley police are sparking major privacy concerns.

While local agencies deny sharing tracking data with federal immigration officials, records expose loopholes that could give ICE backdoor… pic.twitter.com/SY4OXrHTgI

— ABC15 Arizona (@abc15) June 9, 2026

According to the GAO, the automated cameras used by ICE operate through optical readers.

These devices are designed to record vehicle identification plates.

The systems capture information from cars traveling on streets, avenues, and other common traffic areas.

The goal is to generate records that investigators can later consult.

Officers can access this information through agreements with private providers and other law enforcement agencies.

Thanks to these agreements, it is possible to consult databases managed by companies or partner entities.

In addition, investigators have digital systems that allow them to conduct searches remotely.

These queries can be used to locate specific records within large volumes of stored information.

The searches also make it possible to reconstruct movement patterns of vehicles that are part of ongoing investigations.

Artificial Intelligence Speeds Up Data Review

The tools used by ICE may also include platforms powered by artificial intelligence.

These systems are designed to increase the speed at which visual files accumulated by urban patrols are reviewed.

The technology makes it possible to analyze large amounts of images and records in less time.

Artificial intelligence programs work together with camera networks and available databases.

According to the GAO information, algorithms automate searches within those records.

This allows relevant information to be identified more efficiently.

Likewise, the systems can generate alerts for patrols when the location of specific targets is detected.

The combination of automated cameras, databases, and artificial intelligence tools is part of the technological capabilities that ICE license plate readers use to support investigations and monitoring activities in public spaces.