OLYMPIA, Wash. — The city of Olympia has taken a tentative step toward dismantling its network of automated license-plate readers after a federal immigration arrest triggered public outcry — but for now, the devices will only be covered, not removed.

At a city council study session Tuesday, members moved to render the city’s 15 active Flock Safety cameras functionless using “protective hoods,” a temporary measure designed to block cameras from capturing license-plate data.

RELATED: Video of ICE arrest in Olympia sparks concern over police data access

The move comes shortly after a bystander video circulated of federal agents detaining a man in downtown Olympia — raising renewed scrutiny over whether local surveillance tools are being used as back-doors by immigration enforcement.

Coun

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