Residents, advocates, and officials in North Texas are opposing the expanded use of police drones, AI-powered cameras, and automated licence plate readers over concerns regarding invasive surveillance, insecure data, and potential law enforcement abuse. Critics are particularly alarmed by the technology's application during the ongoing ramp-up in US immigration enforcement. In response to public and civil rights pushback, over 50 municipalities—including San Marcos—have cancelled contracts with leading provider Flock Safety. Scrutiny has intensified following reports that authorities accessed 83,000 cameras in 2025 to track a woman suspected of having an abortion, alongside at least 180 immigration-related searches by Texas agencies. Furthermore, findings confirm that errors with the AI-driven technology have resulted in at least 24 motorists being stopped, detained, or jailed.

Background: Surveillance and Smart Cities

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