In brief
Apple has removed the ICEBlock app, which allowed users to anonymously report sightings of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers, citing safety concerns reportedly raised by law enforcement. The app's developers suggest the removal was influenced by pressure from the Trump administration, particularly as immigration enforcement has intensified. While the app is no longer available for download, existing users can continue to use it.
Apple has taken down an app that uses crowdsourcing to flag sightings of U.S. immigration agents, apparently after being pressured by U.S. authorities.
ICEBlock, a free iPhone-only app, lets users anonymously report and monitor activity by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers, and was no longer available on Apple’s App Store as of Friday.
“We just received a message from Apple’s App Review that #ICEBlock has been removed from the App Store due to 'objectionable content',” the developer stated in a social media post, adding that they believe the removal stems from pressure from the Trump Administration.
Despite being removed from the app marketplace, individuals who previously downloaded ICEBlock can still access and use it.
Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but stated to other media outlets, “We created the App Store to be a safe and trusted place to discover apps. Based on information we’ve received from law enforcement about the safety risks associated with ICEBlock, we have removed it and similar apps from the App Store.”
The app's removal follows a noticeable increase in downloads of such tracking apps coinciding with the Trump administration ramping up immigration enforcement through sudden raids. Reports indicate that a gunman who shot at an ICE facility in Dallas had sought out apps that help track the presence of ICE agents.
