CALIFORNIA — A coalition of civil liberties groups is calling on California officials to take action against what they describe as “covert” automated license plate reader (ALPR) surveillance by federal agencies along state highways.

In a February 10 letter to Governor Gavin Newsom and Caltrans leadership, a coalition led by the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) raised concerns about ALPR systems on California roads.

The coalition said U.S. Border Patrol (USBP), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) have installed the devices, some of which are disguised as traffic barrels and trailers.

“CalTrans must revoke any permits issued to USBP, CBP, and DEA for these surveillance devices and effectuate their removal,” the letter states.

Over 40 covert ALPRs have been found on local roads

EFF said researchers found more than 40 covert ALPRs in San Diego and Imperial counties linked to federal agencies or USBP.

ALPRs capture license plates and data like location, time, and date into searchable databases.

Privacy advocates warn that the data can be used to create detailed travel logs and track people’s movements over time.

“They are then aggressively questioned and searched, with no inkling that the roads they drove put them on law enforcement’s radar,” the letter states.

EFF urges the state to stop approving new permits

California law prevents state and local enforcement agencies from sharing ALPR data with out-of-state entities, including federal immigration agencies.

In their letter, the coalition argues that federal agencies are bypassing these laws to access driver location information.

“California must not allow Border Patrol and other federal agencies to use surveillance on our roadways to unleash violence and intimidation on San Diego and Imperial Valley residents,” the letter states.

The coalition calls on the administration to investigate, release relevant permits, revoke them, and remove the devices.

It also urges the state to stop approving new ALPR or tactical checkpoint permits for USBP, CBP, or the DEA.

The coalition said CalTrans could install warning signs or obscuration near these devices as the process advances.