Denver Pulls Plug on Crime-Fighting, Car-Theft Tracking Cameras to Shield Illegal Immigrants

A proven anti-theft camera system in Denver is being shut down—not because it failed, but because city officials fear it might help federal agents deport illegal immigrants.

Key Facts:

Denver’s city council unanimously voted to cancel a $666,000 contract with Flock Safety for license plate tracking cameras.
The system scanned 2 million vehicles per month, leading to 170 recovered stolen cars and 300 arrests in under a year.
Council members expressed concern that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) could access the camera data.
Police officials and prosecutors praised the system as a valuable crime-solving tool, including in hit-and-runs and murder cases.
Mayor Mike Johnston supported canceling the contract, citing “new community concerns.”

The Rest of The Story:

The Flock Safety system had been monitoring roughly 70 intersections in Denver.

According to law enforcement and prosecutors, the cameras were not only effective at recovering stolen vehicles but also helped with investigations into violent crimes.

Sgt. Todd Erickson called it “a wonderful tool” for officers and victims alike, while First Assistant DA Matthew Kirsch said it had been “invaluable.”

Despite those results, the city council decided not to renew the contract.

Their concern? That the data from the cameras might be used by ICE to locate and deport illegal immigrants.

Councilwoman Sarah Parady pointed to a recent federal executive order targeting officials who “obstruct” immigration enforcement as a new threat, suggesting the surveillance tech could be misused by federal agencies.

Councilman Kevin Flynn acknowledged the system’s benefits but ultimately voted with the majority, citing changed political conditions.

The mayor’s office echoed that sentiment, noting the shift in public sentiment since the program began.

WOW 🚨 You’re not going to believe this

Denver Colorado is pausing an extension for its license plate reading cameras until city leaders are satisfied the data won’t be used to round up illegal immigrants

Democrats are DISABLING CAMERAS SO ILLEGALS WON’T BE CAUGHT

Police there… pic.twitter.com/aWZ1p5f0I2

— Wall Street Apes (@WallStreetApes) June 24, 2025

Commentary:

This isn’t about privacy—it’s about politics.

Denver’s city council just made clear that they’d rather let car thieves and violent criminals roam free than risk helping ICE do its job.

Think about that. A crime-fighting tool that police and prosecutors called “invaluable” got scrapped because it might catch the wrong people—illegal immigrants.

Let’s call it what it is: a sanctuary city putting ideology ahead of safety.

The system worked. It recovered stolen property, solved serious crimes, and gave victims some peace of mind.

But to the city’s leadership, none of that matters if there’s a chance an illegal alien might be deported.

What incentive does that create?

If you’re here illegally and commit a crime, you’re in luck—Denver won’t risk using high-tech tools to find you.

If you’re a law-abiding resident? Don’t expect the city to protect your car or catch your attacker.

And this isn’t happening in a vacuum.

It’s part of a broader trend where cities actively undermine federal immigration laws, even if that means sacrificing their own law enforcement capabilities.

The Founders didn’t envision local governments sabotaging the rule of law to shield lawbreakers from national enforcement.

The excuses don’t hold up.

Council members referenced executive orders and vague threats from Washington.

But the real “ill intent” is refusing to use crime-solving tools because they might incidentally uphold immigration law.

That’s dereliction of duty—plain and simple.

Denver voters should ask themselves a hard question: Is this the kind of leadership you want? A council that worries more about hypothetical ICE subpoenas than the very real threat of rising crime?

The Bottom Line:

Denver’s decision to dismantle its successful license plate tracking program reveals a city more concerned with shielding illegal immigrants than safeguarding its citizens.

Public safety took a backseat to political optics—and criminals just got the green light.