Why a Flock Worker Quit: ‘They Lied’

Jonathan Paz, a former Flock employee and now running for Congress in Massachusetts’ 5th District, recently left his position at the surveillance company after his disillusionment with the organization's true intentions became evident. Paz initially joined Flock, a company specializing in license plate recognition cameras, with enthusiasm, believing in the potential of technology to address social issues.

He had a background in social justice work, activism, union organizing, and even served as an elected city councilor in Waltham, Massachusetts. Paz's role at Flock initially involved representing the company in public hearings, emphasizing the product's benefits and ensuring council approval. Paz thought Flock held a deep respect for civil rights and liberties and was catering to the values of the municipalities it worked with.

However, Paz soon discovered the company was concealing its involvement and cooperation with federal agencies such as ICE and CBP. Paz repeatedly expressed his concerns within the company regarding Flock's potential collaboration with ICE, but the company maintained that it did not work with these agencies. When 404 Media revealed the truth about Flock's dealings with federal agencies, Paz decided to leave the company, even turning down a severance package and equity worth tens of thousands of dollars.

After his departure, Paz founded an organization to aid individuals affected by ICE's mass deportation efforts. He is now running for Congress in Massachusetts’ 5th District. 404 Media approached Flock for comment on the company's interactions with communities, but Flock responded by stating that the company's conversations with communities were valuable and helped enhance product controls and refine positions on important matters of public policy.