WASHINGTON (AP) — A number of Democratic lawmakers are questioning the legality of a U.S. Border Patrol predictive intelligence program that singles out and detains drivers for suspicious travel inside the country.
Sen. Ed Markey of Massachusetts has called the license plate reader program an “invasive surveillance network” in a letter to the agency, warning of serious threats to individuals’ privacy and civil liberties. He emphasized concerns that the program might breach the U.S. Constitution.
“Such pervasive surveillance, akin to what authoritarian regimes utilize, not only suppresses lawful expression and assembly but also jeopardizes essential constitutional frameworks,” Markey wrote, demanding clarity on the agency's usage of the technology.
An investigation revealed that the U.S. Border Patrol is monitoring millions of drivers, classifying some as suspicious based on their travel history through an algorithm that processes license plate data. The agency has at times concealed these readers within standard traffic equipment and has access to data from local and federal law enforcement, as well as private collections.
Moreover, the technology has resulted in actual traffic stops and arrests based on perceived suspiciousness rather than tangible evidence or warrants. Critics argue that this method can infringe upon Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable searches.
Markey’s letter indicates growing unease with surveillance technologies utilized by authorities. He is not alone; Rep. Dan Goldman has voiced similar concerns about the implications of the CBP's practices, questioning the consistency of such actions with constitutional liberties.
Alongside these calls for oversight, Virginia Sen. Mark Warner expressed that individuals shouldn’t feel vulnerable to law enforcement while traveling, especially during peak holiday periods.
Despite the critique, the CBP maintains that its use of license plate readers is essential for security, followed by a strict policy framework. However, further clarity and transparency regarding this program are demanded by numerous lawmakers, suggesting an urgent need for compliance checks and potential reforms in surveillance tactics.
