Controversy over Sharing License-Plate Reader Data with Federal Immigration Authorities

from license-plate readers with federal immigration authorities in an effort to locate a woman who had an abortion. The controversy arose after the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Illinois filed a complaint against the police department for violating the Illinois Trust Act, which prohibits local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities unless they have a criminal warrant. The ACLU's complaint stated that the police department had shared data from license-plate readers with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in an attempt to locate a woman who had an abortion. The woman had been receiving medical care at a local Planned Parenthood clinic, which had been targeted by anti-abortion activists. In response, the Illinois secretary of state, Jesse White, has called for an investigation into the police department's actions, stating that the violation of the Trust Act is a serious matter. White also emphasized the importance of protecting the privacy and rights of all individuals, regardless of their immigration status. The incident has sparked outrage and concerns over the violation of privacy and the potential targeting of individuals seeking medical care. The ACLU has also called for stricter regulations and oversight of the use of license-plate readers by law enforcement agencies. This is not the first time that license-plate reader data has been shared with federal immigration authorities. In 2018, the Chicago Police Department faced backlash and a lawsuit after it was revealed that they had shared data with ICE. The use of technology by law enforcement to track and target individuals has raised concerns about civil liberties and the protection of personal information. The investigation into the Illinois police department's actions will shed light on the importance of upholding state laws and protecting the rights of all individuals."