WASHINGTON – Apple has removed ICEBlock and similar apps from its App Store following a request from the U.S. Department of Justice, citing concerns that the tracking apps could endanger Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, CNN reported.
ICEBlock allowed users to report and receive alerts about the presence of ICE agents in their area. It had gained over 1 million users before its removal, according to its creator.
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In an email to developer Joshua Aaron shared with CNN, Apple said the app violated store guidelines by potentially enabling harm against law enforcement, according to the report. The company cited information from law enforcement suggesting the app’s primary function, sharing officer locations, posed a safety risk.
“The app’s purpose is to provide location information about law enforcement officers that can be used to harm such officers individually or as a group,” the email stated.
The removal came after mounting criticism from Trump administration officials. FBI Director Kash Patel recently linked a shooting at a Dallas ICE office to an individual who had researched apps tracking ICE presence. Acting ICE Director Todd
Lyons also said the app could “invite violence” against agents, according to the report.
Attorney General Pam Bondi, in a statement shared by the DOJ, said apps like ICEBlock “crossed a line” by putting law enforcement at risk.
Apple confirmed the removal in a statement on Oct. 2, saying it acted after discussions with law enforcement, though it did not mention ICE or the Department of Homeland Security by name.
“We created the App Store to be a safe and trusted place to discover apps,” the company said. “Based on information we’ve received about safety risks, we have removed ICEBlock and similar apps.”
Aaron disputed Apple’s justification, calling the removal “incredibly disappointing.” He denied the app was designed to incite violence and likened it to crowdsourced speed trap notifications offered by mapping apps.
“This is protected speech under the First Amendment,” Aaron said, adding that the app included warnings against interfering with law enforcement.
