Apple has removed ICEBlock and other apps from its App Store that allow users to anonymously report sightings of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, following pressure from the Trump administration.
The app, which went viral earlier this year, allowed users to lawfully share information about where theyโve seen ICE agents within a 5-mile radius of their location, and also share details of the clothing agents are wearing.
According to various media reports, Apple said it removed the apps after it was contacted by โlaw enforcementโ about โsafety risksโ associated with ICEBlock and similar apps.
Fox Business first reported the removal on Thursday, quoting U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi as saying Justice Department officials contacted Apple to remove apps like ICEBlock at her direction.
Itโs worth noting that ICEBlock does not collect or store any user data, which TechCrunch has confirmed by analyzing the appโs network traffic as part of a test.
The takedown comes in the wake of mounting tensions between the Trump administration and those who oppose the governmentโs hardline immigration agenda, especially after a shooting at an ICE detention center in Dallas last week resulted in two detainees being killed and one in hospital. CNBC cited an FBI official claiming that the gunman had searched apps tracking the presence of ICE agents.
The U.S. government argues that apps like ICEBlock endanger federal workers by revealing their locations and likenesses. Officials have repeatedly threatened legal action against those using ICEBlock, and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in July said officials were trying to see if CNN could be prosecuted for reporting about the app.
U.S. Attorney General Bondi in July also warned ICEBlockโs developer, Joshua Aaron, that the Justice Department was โlooking at him.โ
Apple and the Justice Department did not immediately return a request for comment. ICEBlockโs developers could not be reached for comment.
