diff --git a/xos/synchronizer/model_policies/model_policy_Image.py b/xos/synchronizer/model_policies/model_policy_Image.py
index 6d6982e..7e1a6f3 100644
--- a/xos/synchronizer/model_policies/model_policy_Image.py
+++ b/xos/synchronizer/model_policies/model_policy_Image.py
@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@
         # container images do not get instantiated
         return
 
-    controller_images = ControllerImages.objects.filter(image=image)
+    controller_images = ControllerImages.objects.filter(image_id=image.id)
     existing_controllers = [cs.controller for cs in controller_images] 
     
     all_controllers = Controller.objects.all()