Government Documents Show Creeping Covert Surveillance in Orange County and Beyond

Anaheim used a 'covert purchase' procedure to hide $700,000 worth of acquisitions, loaned its surveillance equipment out to other jurisdictions, and used the devices to investigate a much broader array of crimes than was originally promised.

An image of a check from the City of Anaheim to Harris Corporation, for $106,200

Why Are Border Sheriffs Rushing to Adopt Iris-Recognition Technology?

As mobile iris-scanning apps and tools become available, racial profiling by law enforcement could lead to Latinos and people of color having their eyes scanned simply because they speak Spanish or have brown skin.

Closeup of eye with x on it

A Promising California Bill Could Help Communities Stop Secret And Discriminatory Police Surveillance

In today's troublesome political climate, local police surveillance must be reined in. 

stock photo of a man in a car with a camera

I Spy With My Little Eye a Constitutional Violation

There has always been a tenuous relationship between protesters and the police, but it’s even more frustrating to think some police departments may track events and their organizers solely because of the views expressed. Just this year, the Fresno Police Department has tracked at least 47 events, with one thing in common: they were aligned with progressive causes.

illustration of an eye through a keyhole

Know Your Rights: Your Cell Phone Belongs to You, Not Your School

There are some things you won't be able to avoid when the new school year starts up. Homework. Pop quizzes. Final exams.

Back to School with the ACLU

What's Wrong with Airport Face Recognition?

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has launched a “Traveler Verification Service” (TVS) that envisions applying face recognition to all airline passengers, including U.S. citizens, boarding flights exiting the United States. This system raises very serious privacy issues.

CBP face recognition check

If the Government Spied on You, How Would You Know?

We’re suing the Justice Department to disclose when the government tells people it electronically spied on them. 

shutterstock photo

ICE Using Powerful Stingray Surveillance Devices In Deportation Searches

ICE obtained a warrant to track and locate the cell phone of an immigrant from El Salvador who the government believed to be removable from the country. This is the first evidence we’ve seen of ICE using a Stingray in a specific immigration enforcement operation, but we’ve known for some time that the agency possesses the technology.

ICE agents standing in front of a home, knocking on the door.

Why Did the Government Search an Artist’s iPhone at the Border?

In late February, Aaron Gach was returning to the United States from Brussels. An artist and activist, he had been abroad exhibiting works about mass incarceration, government control, and political dissent. In his pocket was a smartphone.    

Aaron Gach