The Patriot Post® · DEA Runs Program That Tracks Americans' License Plates

With a government not known for moderation and restraint, it shouldn’t be surprising that in this age of technological innovation, the Land of the Free has a Department of Justice that monitors the travel of millions of Americans. What originally started to fight the War on Drugs at the southern border has become a database nationwide accessed by anyone allowed to use the El Paso Intelligence Center. The Wall Street Journal reports, “The primary goal of the license-plate tracking program, run by the Drug Enforcement Administration, is to seize cars, cash and other assets to combat drug trafficking, according to one government document. But the database’s use has expanded to hunt for vehicles associated with numerous other potential crimes, from kidnappings to killings to rape suspects, say people familiar with the matter.” A program originally started to help the government more easily practice civil asset forfeiture – a practice we have argued violates due process – infringes on the Liberty of Americans. Some argue that it’s okay if the government watches as they get the groceries. But do we trust the government with this information? More…