New AI Traffic Surveillance In Houston-Will Civil Liberties Be Protected? ICE Get Data ?

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At today’s, 5/13, Houston City Council session, Councilmember Alejandra Salinas, expressed concern over Item 8. Item 8 was purchase and installation of a "Derq" system for Houston.

Below is the item itself so you can read it. The more each of us can directly speak to, the stronger we all are. Here is a link to the Derq company itself to explain the Derq system. At least as far as they want to explain.

Derq is an AI surveillance system for traffic. I don't know why we need this, because we turn over the streets in Houston to street racers and red-light runners with little resistance from the city. Maybe the AI system can give the street racers data-informed pole positions like at the start of the Indianapolis 500.

Ms. Salinas called this "The next frontier in surveillance." She said she hopes the city will be mindful of civil liberties concerns & the data will not be sold or used for purposes other than traffic.

Good luck with that. The revolution will be televised because we have no privacy. This is in part why I talk about mass actions and an open public identity for people opposing the right. I show up over and over, work to empower people, vote in every election and do my best. I encourage everyone to do their best.

Will ICE be given access to data from Derq?

Above you see Councilmember Salinas in her comments. Her two minute remarks start at the hour 28 minute mark of the HTV feed of the meeting.

​I appreciate Ms. Salinas bringing this up. No other councilmember said anything. She did the right thing.

Fighting this issue is outside my bandwidth even though it is very much a democracy concern. My first reaction when Ms. Salinas spoke was resignation. There is just no prospect that this council will provide meaningful oversight of any police matter.

Maybe the issue of AI surveillance in Houston is something you can lead. Maybe you know a lawyer who can take it up. Maybe a seed was planted today for a successful fight ahead.

I do know there are a number of efforts underway already for the 2027 election, to make Houston City Council better and more responsive. I am part of some of these efforts & will keep you informed. I encourage you to join these efforts as well. Or start your own.

We will stay the course.

Here is item 8:

Summary:

​Director Houston Public Works and Chief Procurement Officer recommend City Council approve award in the amount of $350,000.00 for purchase of ten (10) Derq video detection systems from MOBOTREX, LLC, through the BuyBoard cooperative purchasing program – Special Revenue Fund

Background:

DA-2025-0079 - The Director of Houston Public Works (HPW) and the Chief Procurement Officer recommend that City Council approve an award in the amount of $350,000.00 for the purchase of ten (10) Derq video detection systems from MoboTrex, LLC, through the BuyBoard cooperative purchasing program for HPW.

This is for the purchase of ten (10) Derq video detection systems that will provide real-time traffic monitoring and adaptive signal control. The advanced detection technology is necessary to proactively manage traffic operations, enhance safety, and maintain mobility during the FIFA World Cup.

The video detection systems will be installed along the Almeda corridor, a critical north–south route identified in the Arcadis Mobility Study. Almeda connects major FIFA World Cup activity centers, including the East Downtown Fan Festival site and NRG Stadium, both of which are expected to see significant increases in traffic. This investment aligns with the City’s goals to optimize corridor performance and ensure a positive experience for residents and visitors during this high-profile international event.

The Almeda corridor also serves as a designated detour route for SH 288 and includes ten consecutive signalized intersections between US69 and Holcombe Boulevard. Realtime traffic monitoring and adaptive signal control provided by these video detection systems will prevent congestion and delays that easily compounded during peak travel periods.

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