Why are CA police illegally sharing license plate data with federal agencies?

Under California law, police departments cannot share license plate data with federal authorities and other out-of-state agencies.

But, that law has been routinely violated.

In 2024, the San Diego Police Department shared data with federal agencies 62 times, according to the department’s annual surveillance report.

SDPD stopped sharing data after state Attorney General Rob Bonta's office told the department it was likely violating state law.

Meanwhile advocates are voicing their concerns about privacy and surveillance, especially amid President Trump’s mass deportation campaign.

Today on Midday Edition, we spoke with two reporters covering this investigation at a local and statewide level.

Guests:

• Gustavo Solis, investigative border reporter, KPBS
• Khari Johnson, technology reporter, CalMatters