The widespread use of license plate reader (LPR) cameras in Texas,

Texas Expands License Plate Reader Network Under Operation Lone Star Across Texas, a growing network of automated license plate reader (LPR) cameras is capturing vehicle data as part of Operation Lone Star, a border security initiative launched by Governor Greg Abbott in 2021. These cameras, often installed at intersections, highways, and other public spaces, use artificial intelligence to scan and record license plates in real time, linking them to vehicle and location data. Managed by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and local law enforcement, the system aims to combat crimes like smuggling and trafficking. According to reports, the LPR network, which includes technology from companies like Flock Safety, has expanded significantly. For example, a single case involved law enforcement accessing a network of over 83,000 cameras across multiple states to track a vehicle, demonstrating the system’s vast reach. The cameras are designed to assist in identifying vehicles involved in criminal activity, with Texas investing heavily in equipment and personnel to support these efforts. Privacy advocates, including the Electronic Frontier Foundation, have raised concerns about the lack of oversight. Unlike traditional searches, LPR data collection often doesn’t require a warrant, and the information can be stored and shared across agencies, raising fears about potential misuse. Supporters argue the technology is critical for public safety, citing Operation Lone Star’s reported outcomes, including over 50,000 criminal arrests and significant drug seizures since its inception. As of June 2025, Texas continues to fund and expand this surveillance infrastructure, with some counties joining the initiative to access state grants for law enforcement tools. The debate over these cameras reflects a broader tension between security and individual privacy, with no clear resolution in sight.